Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
You simply can’t do everything for everyone all the time –
For many, the many challenges of caring for an elderly, chronically ill, or disabled family member are simply a part of daily life. Caregiving, though, is a demanding, difficult job and no one is equipped to do it alone. Since your health and resilience are critical for your loved one’s welfare, it’s essential for both of you that you get appropriate help when you need it.
Taking care of an older or ill family member can be enormously rewarding — but it can be physically and emotionally draining as well. That’s why it’s important for caregivers to seek occasional respite from their responsibilities. Whether it’s for a few hours a week to run errands or a few weeks a year to take a much-needed vacation, respite care offers you the chance reduce stress, restore energy and keep your life in balance.
Some things to remember when deciding on respite care:
1. Involve your loved one. When planning for time off from your caregiving duties, make sure to keep your loved one in the loop. Get their input in deciding how much time you will be away (be it a few hours per day, weekly, or once per month) — and who will fill in for you when you’re gone. Make sure to tell them that they will benefit from you being more relaxed and refreshed. And assure them that they will also reap rewards from socializing with other people. When possible, it is important to allow your loved one a chance to voice their concerns and what they would like from a respite care provider. You may be surprised at what they place the highest value on. The caring team at Home Health Care Professionals are driven by providing care with the highest standards of dignity, integrity and sincere respect of the patient. Everyone at HHCP has a strong passion and desire to provide compassionate care
2. Assess your needs. Make a list of what care will be needed in your absence. Also decide if the respite care provider will need any special skills or training to be able to stay with your loved one. Determine how often which services are needed and for how long you will need respite care. Don’t leave anything out, it is best to make a detailed list of everything your loved one will require when considering respite care, this will ensure that everyone involved is on the same page and that your loved one is properly taken care of in your absence. Skilled and non-skilled services are available such as: personal care (hygiene, grooming, bathing toileting), pre- and post-surgery care, wound care, wake up/tuck in services, walking and exercise assistance, dementia care, companionship, appointment services. Home Health Care Professionals provides these and many more services 365 days a year 24 hours a day, no time is the wrong time for respite care because your physical and mental health is important.
3. Stay organized. Use a calendar to keep track of appointments. Don’t forget to include time for yourself and note it on the calendar. Make time for yourself, even if it is just a few hours each month; your physical and mental health and that of your loved one depends on it! Respite care provides short-term breaks that can relieve stress, restore energy, and promote balance in your life. Home Health Care Professionals offers a variety of respite care options and strategies that can ensure you get the help you need to restore your energy reserves and better fulfill your role as caregiver to your loved one.
Caregiving can be rewarding and often strengthens bonds within a family. At the same time, caregiving can be demanding amidst life’s other responsibilities. Family caregivers and those in their care can benefit from a little time off now and then. That is why Home Health Care Professionals of Naples offers respite caregiving among the many services available. Respite care can be scheduled as needed to provide family caregivers time to run errands, go shopping or get some much-needed rest.
Home Health Care Professionals of Naples is licensed by the State of Florida and is a member of the Home Care Association of Florida. To learn more about Home Health Care Professionals of Naples and the services availeble, please call 239-234-6297 or visit www.hhcpn.com.
License Number: 299993977
