What is respite care, and is it right for my family?
Caring for an elderly or disabled loved one is a noble act that is often carried out by a family member. While it can be extremely rewarding caring for those who raised you, it can also be overwhelming and taxing.
At Griswold Home Care, we run into situations where family caregivers need support: spouses, children, nieces, nephews and others who are seeking a well-deserved break to look after their own well-being. In the coming weeks, millions of individuals and families will venture out on vacation, leaving some to wonder how they can get the best care for their disabled or elderly loved ones if they feel like their family member may no longer be up for the journey.
Respite care can be a solution in these types of situations. It is specifically designed to provide compassionate care while helping the family caregiver recharge, both physically and emotionally, to avoid burnout. Respite care programs, such as those offered by organizations like Griswold Home Care, can provide a temporary break and can last anywhere from a few hours per day to overnight. Some common non-medical tasks caregivers can help with:
• Assistance with personal care, including bathing, dressing and hygiene
• Preparing meals
• Accompanying clients to the grocery store or doctor appointments
• Assisting with running errands
• Providing companionship to help clients maintain social engagement
It’s common for caregivers to feel tested — after all, we are human. In some cases, people are taking care of both children
and elderly parents. When a caregiver finds himself or herself sandwiched between these two roles, they may welcome an opportunity to reset. Other times, a caregiver may become ill or just need a good night’s sleep.
Many of our clients have contacted us for emergency respite care when something else requires their attention
last-minute, and we’ve been happy to step in. Please know that if you’re looking for support, there are quality options available. Respite care is not about passing off your caregiving responsibilities — it’s about recognizing the need for balance and self-care in your life.
When looking for a respite care program and deciding if it’s right for
you and your family, it’s important to choose an organization that can nimbly adjust care programs. Family caregivers should look for support with experienced organizations that fully understand that the needs they may have today won’t necessarily be their needs in the future — or even tomorrow.
As a loved one ages, they often require changes to their care plans. Similarly, family caregivers may simply need a few hours of respite care now, but in the future, they may prefer more. This personalized programming is important for both the caregiver and loved one, to ensure both get what they need.
When you’re a familycaregiver, it is vital that you look after yourself … because after all, you can’t take care of someone else unless you take care of you first! Next time you need to recharge, just know there are excellent respite care programs available to support you. You’re worth it.
About Griswold Home Care: With 168 locations in 29 states, Griswold Home Care is one of the country’s top home care companies, delivering compassionate care 24/7 to its clients. Its purpose is to give people the help they need to live in the place they love. Through this purpose, Griswold Home Care helps adults maintain quality of life despite advanced age or onset of illness through services including companion care, home services, personal care, and respite care. Founded by the late Jean Griswold in 1982, the company has maintained its founder’s profound sense of empathy for older and disabled adults and those living with chronic conditions. For more information, visit www.griswoldhomecare.com or call 215.402.0200.