What happens when a family caregiver needs some personal time? Respite care is the answer. Investopedia.com defines respite care as short-term or temporary care of a few hours or weeks of the sick or disabled to provide relief, or respite, to the regular caregiver, usually a family member. Normally caregivers are providing care for seniors, family members in need or both. Respite care is important and beneficial because it can help you:
Avoid Burnout: Life can get hectic when you’re the sole caregiver of another person. Sometimes you may try to do everything for the person receiving care, which can demand most of your time. It is common for people to burnout in the process. Respite care allows caregivers to take personal time and relax. Sometimes a little downtime is all that’s needed for someone to avoid burning out.
Get Your Tasks Done: A devoted caregiver normally puts their own needs second. Although caregiving for an elder or a family member is an admirable task and takes a mentally strong individual, you have to make sure you’re setting time aside to get your own responsibilities done.
Have Your Own Social Life: Make sure you’re keeping up with your personal relationships. Giving care may be extremely important in your life, but you have to live your life as well. Meet up with friends or family to catch up on life and get your mind off caregiving. You shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting some personal time.
Is respite care something that you or someone you know could be interested in? Give us a call at (920) 727-5555 to learn more!