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5 Advantages of Respite Care for Elders

Arranging for respite care can provide your loved one with these five incredible benefits that go beyond just giving you a chance to relax.

Aging adults benefit from being able to remain at home as they continue to age. However, even the most ideal solution for your senior loved one’s Healthy Living situation may still leave you with a few challenges. Trying to figure out how to get a break is a common issue family caregivers encounter, and respite care is an option that makes aging in place easier for seniors and their loved ones. In fact, arranging for respite care can provide your loved one with these five incredible benefits that go beyond just giving you a chance to relax.

1. Promotes Physical Wellbeing

Your loved one may not always want to hear your dietary advice, or he or she may refuse to go out for a walk with you. However, your loved one may look at a home caregiver as a professional person with authority. When the caregiver suggests trying a new healthy food or form of exercise while you’re away, your loved one may jump at the opportunity to do it. Over time, this may help your loved one develop healthy habits that increase his or her overall wellbeing.

Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated homecare services, Victoria, BC, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

2. Provides a Greater Sense of Independence

Seniors may feel as though they’ve lost their independence once they require help from their families for the majority of the day. However, having a respite caregiver drop in reminds your loved one that he or she is still capable of Healthy Living well without having you in the house all the time. Your loved one can enjoy doing things such as preparing a meal or playing a game with the caregiver, which helps your loved one carry on with his or her routine when you’re busy handling other things.

3. Alleviates Guilt

Seniors sometimes feel guilty about having family members step in to help with their care. Your loved one may need to know you still have time to do the things you enjoy, such as going to the gym or taking a class. Respite care opens up time for you to do these things so your loved one knows you’re not the only one who’s always shouldering the responsibility for his or her care.

A trained professional caregiver can be an extremely valuable member of your caregiving team. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional in-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

4. Gets Seniors Interested in Socializing

Older adults sometimes stop spending time with other people once it gets difficult to get out of the house. Since respite caregivers come directly to your loved one’s home, he or she has an easy way to make a new friend. During your respite, your loved one gets to enjoy a friendly chat with a caregiver who can introduce him or her to new ideas and activities.

5. Increases Time Spent Together as a Family

One of the most amazing benefits of respite care for aging adults is the ability to simply enjoy spending time with their families again. After spending days together, you and your loved one may find yourselves at each other’s throats. Taking a break eliminates much of the stress that leads to family squabbles, and your relaxed mood affects how you and your loved one interact when you get back.

Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Victoria families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (250) 592-4881 today.