When you're a caregiver for a loved one, you devote a lot of time, attention and love toward that person, so you probably don't get much alone time. The caregiver role can also cause anxiety and stress because of the emotional and physical demands of supporting a loved one. Sometimes you need support from others when you have other commitments or simply need a break. Respite care is a safe option for your loved one when they need to stay somewhere temporarily. Learn how a respite program can reduce anxiety for both you as the caregiver and your loved one.
When you're the primary caregiver, you shoulder a large amount of responsibility for your loved one's health and well-being. You often don't have free time, and your routine may change drastically when you start caring for a family member. Remembering how to do treatments and giving them their medications properly can be stressful. Caregivers often experience burnout because of the amount of work.
Leaning on respite care to give yourself breaks helps you care for yourself, too. It gives you a mental and physical break that can ease your anxiety.
Short breaks away from your loved one could help improve your relationship. You may get on each other's nerves when you're together all the time. The relationship may become more challenging if you're feeling anxious about your caregiving duties. Your loved one may sense your anxiety, which might make them feel anxious as well.
With occasional respite care visits, the breaks can help ease the tensions that can form. When someone else is caring for your loved one, you can just be a family member to them rather than their caregiver. Visits with them in respite care can be more relaxing and carefree because you aren't responsible for their care during that time. Instead, you can play a game of cards, look through old photos or simply have a conversation with less stress.
Giving yourself a break from caregiving also lets you spend time with other family members and friends. Finding time to socialize as a caregiver isn't easy. Maintaining your social connections can help reduce your anxiety overall.
Using professional respite services can reduce your anxiety when you have to be away from your loved one. For example, if you have a work or family trip planned and can't take your loved one along, you know they'll be in good hands. Respite care staff members undergo training to handle a wide range of care needs. Your loved one stays in a safe environment that's designed specifically for older adults. You know they'll get the medical care, personal assistance and nutrition they need to do well while you're gone. Knowing they're in good hands can ease your anxiety about leaving and help you enjoy your time away more.
Receiving professional care may also ease your loved one's anxiety about you being gone. They're used to you caring for them and may be concerned about someone else taking over. When they stay in a respite community with highly trained and skilled caregivers, they feel more comfortable with the situation knowing that their medical and personal care needs will be met.
For many family caregivers, the idea of moving a loved one into a senior living community full-time comes with guilt. You might feel it's your responsibility to care for your loved one. Perhaps they've made it clear that they don't want to move into an assisted living community.
Using respite services can help you balance your need for a break with your loved one's desire to stay at home. You may feel less guilt over a short-term stay with respite care than you would with a full-time move to assisted living. At the same time, you're getting the rest you need to avoid feeling burnt out from caregiving.
Older adults who stay in respite care temporarily have full access to the amenities offered by the community. Having the opportunity to socialize with other older adults can help them feel involved and improve their mood. They might connect with peers who have things in common with them. Activity options in respite care keep your loved one engaged mentally and physically, which can help them feel less anxious and more relaxed. When you choose the respite care provider carefully, you bless your loved one with a positive, uplifting environment that puts them at ease.
If you're getting ready to transition your loved one to an assisted living community under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella, the respite program provides a way to see if the community is a good fit. Your family member can spend a short time in the community to see how they like it. This can ease any anxiety they might be feeling about the move. Anxiety about moving to senior living often comes from the unknown. Your loved one doesn't know what to expect and might make assumptions about assisted living being depressing or boring. With a respite stay, your family member gets to experience the amenities and the caring staff within the community. The experience can help them decide if the community is a place they'd like to live full-time.
