The safe and affordable services offered by respite care allow seniors to age in place and give family caregivers peace of mind while they’re away. The type of care your elderly loved one receives is based on his or her current health and the needs of your family. Take a look at some of the reasons at-home respite care is essential for seniors and their loved ones.
1. Continuous Care
At-home respite care allows your parent to continue receiving care when you’re away on a business trip, while you attend your children’s school or sporting events, or during your loved one’s recovery from an illness or injury. If you provide long-distance care for your loved one, it’s a good idea to have someone come into the home a few days each week to help with chores, ensure your parent is eating well, monitor his or her health, and give you full reports. Having someone step in while you’re away could prevent your loved one’s daily routine from being disrupted.
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 address if their families opt for professional at-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
2. Dietary Support
Some seniors can live independently but need assistance with various issues, such as nutrition. An at-home respite caregiver can come into the home and help with meal prep, ensuring your loved one gets the nutrients his or her body needs. Proper nutrition can impact health issues like dehydration, diabetes, memory loss, obesity, heart disease, and malnutrition. At-home respite caregivers promote independence and can encourage your loved one to help with preparing his or her own meals for the week.
3. Specialized Care
At-home respite care agencies have employees who are trained to assess safety risks pertaining to your loved one’s health. Some at-home caregivers specialize in areas that impact older adults, such as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and some cancers. Respite caregivers are highly trained, and they specialize in various areas of treatment, including cognitive stimulation and safety.
Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated Home Care, Milwaukee families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
4. Social Engagement
Your loved one doesn’t have to be ill to use at-home respite care services. Seniors can take advantage of this option solely for companionship. Isolation is common among older adults, and it can increase the risk of depression. Your family may feel better knowing someone is coming into the home a couple of times each week to socialize with your loved one. The caregiver could also take your loved one to community events and encourage him or her to join senior-friendly groups that promote social engagement.
5. Temporary Relief
As a family caregiver, you may be required to sacrifice a lot of your personal time to care for your parent. Failing to find time to rest, socialize, and work on personal goals could increase your risk of resentment and lead to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. However, using at-home respite care services allows you to take short breaks or extended time off to practice self-care and spend time doing things that bring you joy. The temporary relief gives you time to relax, recharge, and regroup before you return to your caregiver role.
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. Milwaukee families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. 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. If you need professional home care for your aging loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today.
