Senior Care Resources

What is Respite Care?

Respite care steps in and helps family caregivers with need relief.
Respite care steps in and helps family caregivers with needed relief.

If you are caring for a senior parent that is living at home you may be stressed out, overwhelmed, or feeling like you’re at the end of your rope. You’re not alone. Juggling family, work, and caring for your mom or dad can be difficult. Especially if your mom or dad has a serious health problem like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

If you need a break from caring for your mom or dad, respite care services are available to help. Respite care is senior care that gives you a chance to take some time off from caring for your mom or dad to take care of your needs.

General respite care is available if your mom or dad doesn’t have any serious health problems but needs help around the house and with transportation, shopping, and errands.  But if your senior parent does have a more serious medical condition specialty respite care is available. Alzheimer’s care, Parkinson’s care, and other types of specialized senior care make it possible for family caregivers to safely take a few days or a few weeks off when they need to.

Some of the benefits of using respite care services are:

 

Rest and Rejuvenation

Respite care provides caregivers with the opportunity to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities. It gives caregivers time to rest, recharge, and attend to their own physical and emotional needs. Being able to take a break can help prevent caregiver burnout. It gives you the chance to process your emotions about the changes that are happening to your mom or dad.

 

Time for Personal Activities

Respite care enables caregivers to engage in activities they enjoy, spend time with friends and family, or attend personal errands and appointments that they may have neglected while focusing on caregiving duties. Everyone has things they need to do in order to take care of themselves.

When was the last time you got your hair cut? Shopped for some new clothes? Had lunch with a friend? Respite care agencies give you the time off you need to do things for yourself.

 

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

By temporarily relieving caregivers of their responsibilities, respite care providers can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with the demands of caregiving. Caregivers can have peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are receiving quality care during their break.

 

Better Physical Health

Taking regular breaks through respite care makes it easier for you to go to the gym, take regular walks, or do other activities that will improve your physical health. You need to take care of your physical health just like you take care of your mom or dad’s health.

 

Enhanced Mental and Emotional Well-being

Respite care provides caregivers with the opportunity to relax, unwind, and engage in activities that promote mental and emotional wellness. Offering much-needed time for self-care and socialization can help prevent feelings of isolation, depression, and caregiver burden.

 

Strengthened Caregiver-Recipient Relationship

Many caregivers don’t want to admit that they resent caring for a senior parent, but it’s totally normal to feel some resentment when your own needs aren’t getting met.

Respite care services allow caregivers to maintain a healthy balance between their responsibilities and their relationships with their loved ones. This can prevent feelings of resentment or exhaustion and enable caregivers to provide more patient and compassionate care when they return.

 

Increased Energy and Motivation

After taking a break and experiencing some time away from caregiving duties, caregivers often return feeling more energized, motivated, and better equipped to handle the challenges of caregiving.

 

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Respite Care services in St. Louis, MO, please contact the caring staff at Pear Tree Home Care today! (314) 942-9411

Pear Tree Home Care Provides Senior Home Care Services in St. Louis, Ladue, Chesterfield, Town and Country, Clayton, Des Peres, St. Charles, Wildwood, Brentwood, Maryland Heights, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Arnold, Oakville, Mehlville, Creve Coeur, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Warren County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas.

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