Treemont gives caregivers a reprieve
As society’s seniors live longer, many family members are being thrust into a caregiver role for a family member.
Approximately 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the prior 12 months, according to the Caregivers in America 2016, 2015 Report by AARP and the National Alliance for Aging.
Caregiving is a noble calling, a role which a son, daughter, niece, nephew or spouse is happy to do for their loved one. Yet, if done 24/7 or if a caregiver works a full-time job, then comes home to care for a loved one, the physical and mental toll can be exhausting. Everyone needs a break.
According to Caregivers in America 2016, 2015 Report, on average, caregivers have been in their role for four years, with a quarter having provided care for five years or more (24 percent). Higher-hour caregivers are twice as likely to have been in their caregiving role for 10 or more years.
Do you see yourself in these caregiver statistics? If so, perhaps you should consider respite care, which provides a needed reprieve for a caregiver taking care of a loved one. This benefits the recipient, who continues to receive care in a safe environment. It also can rejuvenate the caregiver’s mental and physical well-being.
The Alzheimer’s Association states, “Caregiving is demanding — and it’s normal to need a break. Seeking help does not make you a failure. Remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.”
Respite care can provide the caregiver the time to run simple errands such as getting a haircut or shopping, a chance to connect with friends, and the peace of mind that your loved one is getting quality care in a supportive environment.
There are a variety of options for respite care, including assisted living facilities, personal care homes and individual caregivers.
Most licensed assisted living facilities offer respite stays. Assisted living in Treemont Health Care Center provides assistance with personal care needs, including bathing, dressing, toileting and grooming, in a socially engaging environment. Rates are all inclusive of incontinence supplies and medical equipment such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs and adjustable beds. Pack a suitcase of clothing, provide your loved one’s medication and instructions, and the assisted living certified care attendants will take over.
At Treemont, respite care patients receive all the same amenities of someone in full-time assisted living. This includes cable TV, free Wi-Fi, three nutritious meals, snacks, medication management, 24-hour supervision, housekeeping and activities. The senior also might find the environment a bit more stimulating, with musical performances, bingo, arts and crafts, movies, parties, and the opportunity to socialize during meal times.
To learn more about respite care at Treemont Health Care Center, call admissions director Rachel Flowers at 713-783-4100 or reach out via www. Treemont.com. Flowers also can answer questions about long-term nursing care and how to navigate rehab after a hospital stay.
For questions about Treemont independent living, call 713-783-6280.