5 Benefits of Respite Care for Your Loved Ones

Being the primary caregiver for a loved one is a great sacrifice and a demanding job that is best managed by relying on others for help. This is where respite care comes into the picture as a secondary caregiving option that will greatly benefit your loved ones. Here are five benefits of respite care for your loved ones

1.    Access to professional care and assistance

Respite care facilities like Longhouse provide safe, quiet, and professionally managed adult family homes where your loved one will have access to 24-hour care. Apart from allowing you or other family members to take a break from your role as a caregiver, you are guaranteed high-quality care from experienced caregivers and nurses. Similar to assisted living communities, a respite care facility will provide your loved one with the specialized care and assistance they need for healthy living.

2.    Rehabilitation support

If your loved one has recently been hospitalized or undergone surgery, it is important that they are under dedicated care until they show significant improvement.  A respite stay will provide the much-needed rehabilitation support and careful monitoring of your loved one until their condition improves.

Better knowledge about the health issues affecting seniors and the capacity to offer individualized care plans further makes these facilities the best place for your loved ones to stay temporarily.

3.    Prevent social isolation and stress

Social isolation and loneliness among the elderly are among the biggest challenges seniors face, especially those who stay at home. Given the physical and mental health risks of having your loved one lack the stimulation of meeting and interacting with like-minded individuals, respite care is an exciting way to break the monotony of their lives.

Signing up your loved one for these services allows them to meet other senior adults, initiate friendships, and enjoy new company. Most respite care also encourages group and individual activities that could see your loved one rekindle or pick a hobby that will keep them engaged from time to time.

4.    A fresh pair of eyes

Just like primary caregivers need regular breaks to refresh and recharge, your elderly loved one also needs a fresh pair of eyes to watch over them once in a while. A respite stay makes this possible while saving you from dealing with a senior who is getting frustrated by your constant presence.

Since your loved one will be under professional care, they will also benefit from the keen eye of the respite caregivers, who might be quicker to notice behavioral changes and signs of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

5.    Eases transition to an assisted living community

There comes a time when age-related conditions and illnesses make it difficult for you to keep taking care of a senior loved one alone. Since the best decision in such instances is to move your loved one to an assisted living community, prior exposure to respite stays will make this transition smoother for them.

Endnote

Short-term and long-term respite stays can greatly benefit your elderly loved ones and should be a top consideration whenever you need a break from your caregiving roles.