Why Respite Care is Important for Family Caregivers
When a loved one returns home from the hospital, skilled nursing facility, or rehabilitation center, family members often step into the role of caregiver. Home health care nurses and therapists help to educate and train family caregivers to help them effectively care for their loved one and recognize when something might be wrong.
But every family caregiver needs some form of respite from time to time. This post discusses the challenges family caregivers face, how taking time away impacts care provided to a loved one, and suggestions for how to set up respite care.
The Realities of a Family Caregiver
Family caregivers must deal with a variety of situations, some more difficult than others depending on the level of care being provided. One of the most common things family caregivers forget to do is to take care of themselves. Respite care enables caregivers to do just that. It does take a bit of time and planning. But even a few hours can make a world of difference for a caregiver and prevent exhaustion, burnout, and isolation.
Why Caregivers Need to Take Time For Themselves
Support and rest are vital to a caregiver’s health and ability
to care for their loved one. Without time away to rest and recharge, family
caregivers may find themselves overwhelmed by their responsibilities and find
that they don’t have the patience or the compassion that they should have.
Taking a break will help restore focus and energy. Being a caregiver will be
more enjoyable and rewarding, too.
Types of Respite Care
Respite care takes many forms. Caregivers should be able to share the responsibility of caregiving and receive some form of support for themselves. This might mean asking another friend or family member to fill in for a few hours. Organizations in the local community may be willing to send volunteers to help with care.
Hiring a professional home care agency is another way to make sure family caregivers receive consistent time off. The agency can set up dedicated hours every week or at times throughout the month to cover times when the family caregiver has to work, has engagements, or simply needs time away. Make sure to ask the home health care team assigned to your family’s case if they provide caregiving services in addition to their home health duties.
If a loved one requires skilled health care services outside a normal home health care visit, your home care team may be willing to provide that care. Some agencies do offer skilled care on a short-term basis. Or they’ll refer you to another company that can fulfill the patient’s needs.
Home health nurses, therapists, aides, and social workers do a lot to help patients who need home
health services for support and monitoring. To learn more about how Voyager Home Health helps
patients in the Denver, CO, area, reach out to us today at (719)-401-5654.
Highest Paying Provider ● Highest Quality ● All Phones Text-able ● Overtime allowed with hybrid hours ● Smart Documentation ● Home Healthcare Company with Class A License.