What Are Acceptable Uses of Respite Care?

 August 21, 2018

You might have heard about respite care, but as a caregiver, when should you be using these types of services? You might be surprised.

 

You’ve Got a Doctor’s Appointment

So many caregivers ignore their own health and well-being. In fact, many often don’t go to their own doctor, even when they’re extremely sick. Taking the time to take care of your health is incredibly important and this is an excellent use of respite care help. But you don’t have to be sick to go to the doctor. Make the time for regular preventative care for yourself, too.

 

You’re Traveling

Whether you travel for work or you’re traveling for any other reason, you may need some help from respite care providers. This could be true even if you’re traveling with your aging adult. You’ll be better able to concentrate on what is happening around you if you’re not worried about your elderly family member.

 

Your Senior Needs Help that You Can’t Provide

In some situations, your elderly family member may need help that is difficult or impossible for you to provide. Perhaps neither of you are comfortable with you helping her with personal care tasks, for instance. That makes having other people helping out much more important.

 

You Have to Work

Most caregivers these days still have to go to work. You may be able to take time off now and again, but in general, you still have to actually work. Respite care providers can stay with your elderly family member while you’re at work. When you come home, you’ll be handling a smaller percentage of tasks for your senior.

 

You Simply Need a Break

You may just need a break, period. That might mean that you actually leave town and take a vacation or it might mean that you take a nap or meet a friend for lunch. Whatever you plan to do with your time away is entirely up to you and is perfectly acceptable. You have to have breaks periodically or you’re going to burn yourself out.

 

Honestly, you can and should use respite care any time that you feel the need. There is no real right or wrong way or time to use respite care because everyone’s situation is different. There’s no need to feel that you’re a bad caregiver or that you’re shirking your duties. You’re a human being and you have needs, obligations, and responsibilities that render caregiving difficult.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering  Elder Care in Squirrel Hill, PA,  please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today.
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