The idea of taking time away for respite care can be terrifying for some caregivers. If that describes you, you might want to take some time to sort through why you’re feeling that way and explore some of the benefits you’re missing out on.
When Was Your Last Break?
Can you remember the last time that you took any time away from caregiving? If you can, it was probably quite a long time ago and you might still feel a little guilty about having taken that time. But the reality is that everyone needs regular breaks. When you try to force yourself to keep going for days and weeks on end, you’re really only hurting yourself.
Your Senior Needs a Break, Too
Believe it or not, your senior needs a break from you sometimes, too. She loves you and likely enjoys spending time with you, but it helps to see different people now and again, too. It’s good for both of you to have new experiences that are separate from each other so that you have more to share when you’re back together again.
Sometimes You Want to Clone Yourself
Have you ever wished for more than one of you so that you could get everything done? With help from home care providers, you don’t need a clone. You’ll have the help that you need to finally get through more of that task list that never seems to end. You’ll also know that if you need to leave, you can do so without worrying about your aging family member.
Your Own Health Is at Risk
Taking breaks is important for your mental health, but it’s vital for your physical health, too. If you aren’t taking the time to rest yourself, your body is eventually going to make sure that you take a break. And if you feel that you don’t have time just to relax right now, you definitely don’t have time to deal with a major illness or with another type of health crisis. Taking a break sounds pretty tame in comparison.
Respite care is something that can benefit you and extend your time as a caregiver. Experienced home care providers can help you to be a far better caregiver than you ever thought that you could be. It’s about doing the best that you can for your senior family member, including taking care of yourself as well as you take care of her.