About one-third of homes in the U.S. are caregiver homes. While a caregiver and professional home health aide share many of the same duties, there are several key differences. What sets caregivers apart is that they often care for close relatives or friends with no financial compensation and no time off.
It’s not surprising that studies have found that those who care for adults are at higher risk of anxiety and depression. They are also more likely to say that they have poor health. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to look into respite care near the Twin Cities.
Let’s learn more about the signs of caregiver burnout and how respite care services can help.
Recognizing Caregiver Burnout
Sixty-five million Americans spend over twenty hours per week providing care for their loved ones. Of those caregivers, nearly half will also provide some medical care, in addition to other duties. This may include administering medication, food preparation, and assistance with hygiene, among many more responsibilities.
Indeed, home caregivers are selfless when it comes to their loved ones. However, this selflessness exacts a heavy toll. Here’s how to tell if it’s time for a well-deserved break.
- You often find yourself anxious or moody
- You can’t remember the last time you had a break and feel guilty about needing one
- Every day feels exhausting
If this sounds like you, remember that it isn’t selfish to take care of yourself. Receiving support is the most effective way to combat caregiving fatigue. Furthermore, when your needs are met, you will be able to deliver better care.
What is Respite Care?
Respite is defined as a break, and that’s precisely what respite care seeks to provide. Respite care is short-term care that benefits both caregiver and their loved ones. While often temporary, it can also be scheduled at regular times.
Since there are many types of caregiving situations, there are many forms of respite care that are offered near the Twin Cities. For example, for short-term illness or injury, respite care ensures that the household stays running while you can rest easy, knowing your loved one is in excellent hands.
In some situations, a home care aide comes and assists with tasks for a reprieve. In others, it’s similar to retreat for your loved one, which gives you some time to yourself in the home.
How Can it Help?
Many who have used respite care find that the most significant benefit is time. While your loved one is receiving care, you can spend time in ways that matter most to you. That can mean more time with other family members or simply time to decompress.
The caregiver isn’t the only one who benefits from this arrangement. When your loved one receives respite care, they may have access to therapeutics they wouldn’t otherwise. These might include speech or physical therapy.
Respite Care Provides Support in the Twin Cities When It’s Needed Most
It’s normal to feel anxious or even guilty when leaving your loved one in the care of another. However, at Sholom in the Twin Cities area, senior care is our specialty. We have served the community with compassion for over 100 years, which means you can rest easy when your relative is in our care.
Over time, your needs may change. This is why Sholom offers support for all phases of care, including senior living.
Whenever you are ready, contact us to learn more about respite care and how it can support you.
