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Take Time For Yourself… Respite Care Provides Support

heart-to-heart-logo-copyIssue 28.09

During this time of financial insecurity, there are more families taking on the responsibility of caring for their elderly parents or family members.  Taking care of your elderly family member is very gracious and makes good financial sense, but it can also be extremely challenging.  Care giving is a demanding, difficult job and is hard to do alone, especially if you are still working and/or raising your own family.  Getting help is essential for your own health.  Your ability to remain energized and happy is also critical for the elder persons that you are caring for.

This is where respite care would come in.  Respite care provides short term breaks that can help relieve stress, help restore your energy, and help promote balance in your own life.  Allowing someone else to help will give you an opportunity to spend time with other friends and family, time to run errands, time to go to the hairdresser or time to just relax.

Licensed agencies are available to help.  We have caregivers that are available to provide you with relief from 1 hour, while you go shopping, up to 24 hour care while you take vacation.  Respite care provides you with a temporary break from your daily care giving responsibilities.  

Using respite care before you become exhausted, isolated or overwhelmed can be a life saver.  Respite caregivers can provide you with the peace of mind you need, knowing that your loved one is in good hands while you are taking some time to care for yourself.  The caregivers come into the home of the client, so your loved one is able to remain in the environment they are comfortable and familiar with.

The most important key to successful respite care is matching your needs to the services provided by the agency.  Selecting an agency that has qualified providers and that can meet your time frame requirements, and the physical requirements of the client, is crucial.  Taking the time to find the right agency will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your loved one will be taken care of safely.

Finding and implementing respite care sounds like a lot of work, but it is worth it.  Relief and relaxation is not just important for the primary care provider, it will also benefit those loved ones you take care of.

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