The Benefits of Respite Care for the Elderly

Respite care for the elderly may seem like a scary thing to consider, but it really isn’t. Part of the reason why you may be considering respite care for adults is that you may be heading toward caregiver burnout. As the caregiver to someone who is elderly or disabled, it may sometimes seem like the best option to take everything on by yourself, but the fact of the matter is, caregiver burnout is very real. Therefore, it’s much better to reach out and find respite services for caregivers. Asking for help can help you become a better caregiver overall. Read on to learn more about what respite care is, the benefits of respite care for the elderly, and respite care for caregivers. 

Respite Services: What Is Respite Care?

You may be equating respite care with specialized care such as hospice care when in reality, they are two different things. Respite care is short-term elderly care that bridges the gaps between when the person’s full-time caregiver is available and when they’re not. For example, perhaps you help take care of an elderly parent, but they’re currently having a medical or mobility issue, and you can’t be there all the time. This is when short-term senior care can come in to help out. 

There are generally two types of respite: adult daycare and respite in a senior assisted living facility. Respite services typically range in price from $70 per day (lower level of care) to $235 per day (such as in a skilled nursing facility).

Respite: The Benefits of Respite Care for the Elderly

While respite care to prevent caregiver burnout is very important, the benefits of temporary care for the elderly are also imperative. Some of these benefits include:

• They can “test-drive” a senior living facility. Some respite care occurs in the home, but most often, it will occur inside a senior facility, so the patient can see what the day-to-day structure of this type of facility is like.
• Meeting new people. Not only will the person requiring respite care for the elderly get to know their respite worker, but they will also meet new people inside of the center, expanding their social reach.
• Eases tensions at home. As a caregiver approaches burnout, they can often feel resentful and upset. Having some help fosters a better relationship with the caregiver and their loved one.
• Provides a change of pace. Having a little change in routine is not bad at all, and in addition to increasing the social circle, helps to keep the mind sharp.

Respite Services: The Benefits of Respite to Caregivers

Having respite for the elderly benefits caregivers in many ways as well, including:

• Promotes relaxation. Having someone pitch in with respite allows caregivers to breathe, take time for self-care, and relax a little bit.
• Reintroduces self-identity. Often, caregivers can lose their identity while fully taking care of another person, so respite helps to provide that sense of self back.
• Improves social life. Not only does respite improve the social life of the patient, but the caregiver as well, as they get to take a break.

To learn more about the benefits of respite care for the elderly, or to hear about life-changing mobility aids, such as wheelchair ramp or stairlift installation, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want both caregivers and patients to live their best lives possible.