When Is It Time to Consider Respite Care?
If you are a caregiver to a loved one you may find yourself starting to feel burnt out or resentful of the role you have taken on. This is normal, especially if the caregiving duties have fallen entirely on your shoulders.
Seeking respite care is a must for any caregiver. You need time to recharge and enjoy your life outside of being a caregiver.
Bringing in a home care worker to give you a few hours a day or a week can make a huge difference in your life. It can give you the chance to recharge and spend some time focusing on yourself.
What is respite care?
Respite care is when an outside caregiver comes to help a sole caregiver have some time off. It might be a family member, a friend, or a care provider from an agency to come and care for your loved one while you take some time to run errands, go away for the night, or just go for a walk.
Benefits of respite care
Time to relax- while it can be very rewarding to care for a an aging loved one, it is also important to remember that you have needs as well. Taking time to go away for the weekend, read a book, meet up with friends, or even take a nap can help to restore your energy and give you some much-needed me time.
Have some fun- taking time to have some fun is vital to your well-being. If you are miserable, it is likely that your loved one is also going to be miserable, and it is not fair that you have to give up having fun to be a caregiver. Respite care allows you the chance to have fun. Whether it's going to a concert, checking out a stand-up comedy club, or spending the night with your friends, you need to have fun without the feelings of guilt knowing your loved one is being cared for.
A change of scenery- caregiving can become monotonous, especially if your loved one isn't able to leave the house much. You may find the days are all the same. Bringing in a respite caregiver will allow you to get out of the house and enjoy activities outside your home.
Recharge your batteries- Being a caregiver to a loved one can be stressful and draining. Having regular breaks to recharge your batteries can help you from becoming resentful of the person you are caring for.
To socialize- You may not see many people on a regular basis if your loved one has mobility issues. Getting out and being social is vital to your mental and emotional health. Taking time to see your friends and make connections can help you not feel so alone.
You need respite care, now what?
Talk to your loved one. Don't just spring it on your loved one on the day of respite care that you need some time off. Talk to them beforehand and ask for their opinion. Be sure to explain that having time off will help you to care for them better, but don't leave them guessing about what is happening.
See yourself as a caregiver. It can be really tough to separate yourself from your relationship with the person you are caring for and being their caregiver. You may be their mom, aunt, sister, or child, but you are also their caregiver. This can help you to shift your mindset and not feel so guilty about needing a break.
Know what you need. You may only need a few hours a week to run errands by yourself, you may need a couple of hours every day to recharge or do housework without any interruptions, or you may need a weekend off every month to go away and unwind. Being completely honest about what you need will ensure that the respite care you and your loved one receive will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.
Organize your time. Using your time wisely will ensure you are making the most of it. If you have a few hours a week to run errands, make sure you have a well-thought-out plan so that you are not forgetting anything and cause yourself unnecessary stress.
Make your own space. Make a spot for when the respite caregiver is in your home that you can go to and relax. It might be your room, a porch, or another level of your home. You need to have a space that is all yours and will help you find peace while you recharge.
Don't bottle up your emotions. Don't keep it inside if you are feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, or angry. Find someone you trust to vent to. It might be a friend, a family member, or a therapist. Receiving respite care can be a lifesaver, but if you are bottling up your emotions, you will never truly feel well until you speak with someone about your feelings.
Learn to say no. Being the caregiver of a sick or aging loved one is hard, and knowing your limits and when to say "no" is vital. If someone is asking something of you that you don't want to do or you don't have time for, don't feel bad for saying no, even if they get upset. Setting boundaries will help you preserve your mental health and live a much happier life.
Stay positive. That can be so frustrating to hear when you are feeling down, but dwelling on negative thoughts is a real-life sucker. Find someone you can talk to or call a family meeting if you feel overwhelmed or are stuck in a negative place. You are needed and loved, and feeling negative all the time will take a serious toll on your mental health.
Conclusion
There is no reason why you need to feel ashamed to admit that you need a break, especially if you are the caregiver of a loved one.
Reaching out to an in-home care agency in Evansville to have a care provider give you some much-needed respite is necessary, making you a better caregiver.
