When providing long-term caregiving to an elderly loved one, just about everyone is going to get a little burned out at some point. Burnout doesn’t occur simply because you’re caring for your loved one, but because you are also still managing so many other aspects of your life and the lives around you. A professional trained in respite care services can work with you and your loved one to ensure that while you take a little time away, your loved one will be well cared for and safe.
Burnout can look and feel like:
- Feeling exhausted all of the time.
- Having trouble concentrating or making big decisions.
- Displaying more anger or frustration to those around you.
- Being physically sick more often.
- Feeling Depressed.
Five Ways to Utilize Respite Care
The great thing about arranging for some respite care for your elderly loved one is that with it, you will have some time to take care of things that you perhaps have been ignoring for some time or just haven’t had the opportunity to focus on. Respite time for you may look like complete relaxation or you may want to make it a very productive time, or you might even want to just go out and have a lot of fun without worrying about your current responsibilities for a little while.
Here are five ways you might want to use your respite care (but always choose what’s perfect for you).
Running errands. Some errands can be tough to do when your elderly loved one needs someone to watch over her 24 hours a day. Respite care is the perfect time to get out and complete those errands that are too complicated to do when your loved one is with you.
Finishing a project. Perhaps your car simply needs to get cleaned inside and out, or maybe there is work that needs to be completed on the deck of your home. Several hours of undivided attention to your project can help you make a lot of headway and even complete it.
Connecting with friends. When providing care for a loved one, it can be hard to stay connected with friends. Set up a lunch together or go out to a local park or museum and spend some time reconnecting with those lifelong friends.
Take care of your health. If you’ve missed some dentist visits or wellness visits of your own lately, use this time to take care of your health so you can continue your care for your loved one.
Have fun! It’s okay to do something completely silly and fun during your break. Finding joy now can help you provide joy later.
Benefits of Professional In-Home Respite Care
While having family and friends help provide a little respite care is often a great option for some families, for others it’s not that easy. It could be that family and friends are not located nearby or can’t care for your elderly loved one who perhaps has special medical or cognitive needs.
Your respite care provider will customize the respite care she provides your loved one to her medical, physical, and emotional needs. Knowing that your loved one is well cared for will make it easier for you to get away occasionally, recharge, and then return with a renewed energy to continue caring for your loved one.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Respite Care Services in Irvine CA, please call the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Canaan Home Care – A Premier Provider of Senior Home Care in the La Jolla, Del Mar, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and Manhattan Beach areas.
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