Respite care might be something that you’ve been avoiding, especially if you feel as if you don’t fully understand what it can do for you and for your senior. But as a caregiver, you cannot continue to ignore the benefits of respite care.
You Absolutely Need a Break
Whether you realize it or not, you need a break occasionally from caregiving. You cannot keep pushing yourself day in and day out and never take some time away. You might be worried about taking the time that you need and that absolutely makes sense. But never doubt that you do occasionally need your own time.
Your Senior Needs a Break, Too
On the flip side of that coin, your senior needs a break from you now and again, too. It’s not because she doesn’t care about you or that she’s irritated by you. It’s because everyone needs a break from routine now and again, even your senior. This can do a world of good for her, just as it can for you. When you come back, you’ll both be happier to see each other.
You Can Adjust the Schedule
Lots of caregivers feel as if they need to have a set schedule in order for respite time to be effective. While a routine can help your aging family member to feel more comfortable and can fit in with the rest of your obligations, you can adjust respite time to fit your needs. You don’t have to adhere to a schedule someone else is setting out for you.
You Don’t Have to Have a Reason
Something else that you might not realize is that you don’t have to have a reason in order to set up respite care. Just wanting to get away is perfectly valid. Going home and taking a nap with respite time is perfectly valid. If all you want to do is go somewhere and stare at nothing, that’s still perfectly valid. You don’t have to justify any time that you take away from being a caregiver. That’s likely going to feel a little difficult at first, which is why practicing helps.
Hiring senior care providers to take over as respite care when you need to be elsewhere is just a smart decision. They have the experience to help you and your senior to feel more comfortable about you spending time away. What you need is to be able to delegate and to relax while you’re elsewhere.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Dover MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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