Six Tips to Help Families Plan for Respite Care

Family caregivers juggle a lot of different responsibilities that keep them hopping. Taking breaks may make sense, but that doesn’t mean family caregivers know how to actually fit breaks into their schedules. If they don’t figure it out, they’re more susceptible to burnout and other mental health issues. Respite care offers a convenient and easy way to make sure that seniors have the help that they need and family caregivers have the rest they need. It might just take a bit of planning to make it all work.

Different Types of Respite Care

Part of the planning process involves looking at the different types of care available for seniors and families. There are options for seniors who need hourly care at all times of day. There are options for seniors who need help around the house with simple chores like laundry, dishes and vacuuming. If seniors only need companionship, companion care at home is another option.

Communication Is Key

Communication is vital when families are planning respite time. Talking about what respite is and how it works with seniors helps them to feel less like they’re getting a “babysitter” and more as if they’re going to get their needs met as well. It helps to have a list of benefits ready, like social interaction and help with daily tasks. Family caregivers need to listen to concerns seniors might bring up because that can help them plan effectively for everyone concerned.

Identify Needs

Choosing the right recipe care option means looking at what seniors and family caregivers need most. How often do family caregivers need to tend to other responsibilities? What types of care do seniors need when family caregivers are not around? Answering these questions ensures that families find the right options for respite care.

Prepare Everyone Involved

It’s most important to prepare aging adults for the changes they’ll experience when elder care providers spend more time with them, offering assistance and allowing family caregivers to take time away. Introducing new care providers before they will be left alone with them can help to build trust and familiarity. Establishing routines around respite care allows seniors and family caregivers to learn what to expect going forward.

Plan for Self-care

Family caregivers need to do some planning of their own, too. They need to set their own expectations for what respite time means for them. It could involve time for exercise, spending time with friends, working, or doing something different each time. Engaging in activities that refresh and rejuvenate means that family caregivers will be better prepared for the demands of caregiving when they come back.

Evaluate and Adjust

Most of the solutions that families put into place for respite need to be tweaked a bit to work as well as everyone wants them to work. Adjusting to respite care takes time and a little bit of reflection to determine what worked well, what didn’t, and how to improve the situation for everyone involved. Keeping seniors involved in these discussions ensures their needs continue to be met.

Making a plan for respite care ensures that family caregivers and aging adults thrive and get the most out of the caregiving journey. Taking time for self-care is not a selfish choice because it benefits seniors as well as the family caregivers who love them.

If you or an aging loved one are considering respite care in Yonkers, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Home Care for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.