Respite Care: The Best Holiday Gift for Family Caregivers and the Seniors They Love

In spite of being extremely rewarding and fulfilling, caring for an older loved one also consists of a multitude of complications that can create serious health concerns for family caregivers. And although it’s common for family members to place their own needs on the back burner to concentrate fully on the needs of their loved one, it’s so important for caregivers to accept that they can actually provide better care when they are well rested and in optimum health themselves.

Finding time for self-care can be a struggle as well. After all, your loved one depends on you, and you have come to understand all of the little intricacies that make each day run smoothly – how she likes her coffee prepared, her hair brushed, the details of her afternoon routine. It’s more efficient sometimes to just deal with everything yourself than to entrust somebody else with it all. However, realistically, we all need some help now and again, and this is especially the case for caregivers, who are susceptible to the increased stress that can induce caregiver burnout.

At Morning Glory Home Care, our respite care team receives calls from family members all the time who are reluctant to accept help, but are in dire need of a trusted partner in care. If this describes you, give some thought to the benefits of professional respite care – both to yourself and to your senior loved one.

Respite Care Benefits for Caregivers

Qualified respite caregivers, like those at Morning Glory Home Care, are fully trained and experienced in a broad range of senior care needs, including specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions. Our caregivers never come in and “take over,” but take time to listen and get to know each senior in order to provide highly individualized care to meet each person’s unique needs.

As a result, family members have the chance to relax and replenish themselves with enjoyable hobbies and interests, exercise, time spent with friends, shopping and tending to their own needs, all while being assured their senior loved one is receiving the very best of care.

Respite Care Benefits for Seniors

And the positive aspects aren’t just for the caregiver herself! Older adults gain the opportunity for increased socialization as they spend time with a new companion with whom they can share life stories, participate in fun activities, play games and cards, learn a new skill, go out shopping or to lunch – the choices are endless. Respite caregivers can also plan and prepare meals, help with household chores and laundry, and assist with personal care needs like showering and getting dressed – tasks that are at times more comfortable for seniors when performed by a professional caregiver.

The senior is given a twofold gift: a more relaxed family caregiver, and relief in knowing that the caregiver is taking care of herself – something that is important to many seniors who may grapple with feelings of guilt about their need for care.

Morning Glory Home Care provides professional home health care in Alton, IL and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about our professional respite care services for seniors, contact us any time at 618-667-8400. We’re here for as much or as little respite care assistance as needed – both for your senior loved one, and yourself.