A family caregiver also referred to as an informal caregiver, is a person who cares for a parent, spouse, or family member, providing them with assistance in their activities of daily living. It is estimated that over 40 million Americans provide informal care to a loved one in the United States.
While the family caregiving trend is widespread and growing every year, many may be unaware of the path ahead. Brickmont Assisted Living admires those who undertake the role of a family caregiver; it is a commendable task that, at times, can be undervalued and underappreciated.
Though caring for a parent or loved one can be rewarding, family caregivers face unique obstacles, like caregiver burnout. Sometimes a break from these responsibilities is not only necessary for the caregiver, but also the recipient of care. Respite care services can offer that break, but many family caregivers are unaware of these short-term care services. Brickmont Assisted Living would like to provide you with a better understanding of respite care services and how you, as a family caregiver, can adequately utilize these services to provide the best care possible to your loved one.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is a short-term senior care option that can place your loved one in a senior living community, like Brickmont Assisted Living. These services can be utilized when the family caregiver needs a break from their caregiving responsibilities or in a circumstance when their primary caregiver is not available. Respite care services can be utilized for a few hours, days, or weeks, depending on your situation. A family caregiver can take the day off to tend to other responsibilities, take a vacation, or in the case of an emergency.
Respite care services are beneficial for seniors who require help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, mobility, and/or medication management. Brickmont Assisted Living offers respite care services at our communities throughout Georgia, while other organizations may offer respite care in your loved one’s home.
What Are The Benefits of Respite Care?
While respite care services offer clear benefits to family caregivers, they also provide benefits to the seniors using these services. Respite care services afford a family caregiver much-needed and well-deserved rest from their responsibilities while providing the senior with professional caregivers and access to the amenities and services of a senior living community.
Senior living communities have evolved over the last few decades. Our Brickmont Assisted Living residents are treated to full-service dining, access to 24/7 on-site care, comfortable living areas, and a calendar full of a variety of activities and events. Those who use our respite care services are treated as full-time residents in our community, allowing them access to all of our amenities, activities, and perks.
Though respite care services are primarily used when a family caregiver requires a break or time away, some seniors and their families utilize it as a means of testing a senior living community with no-commitment. Transitioning to a senior living community is a significant step in a senior’s life and respite care can serve as a “test run” to experience what a community is really like.
When Should You Try Respite Care?
When to consider respite care services can vary by your situation. As we previously stated, caregiver burnout is a serious concern, particularly for family caregivers, and symptoms can affect your ability to cope and handle your caregiving responsibilities.
If you begin to feel overwhelmed, you notice certain aspects of your life declining, such as your sleeping habits and diet, or you begin to experience feelings of anxiety or depression, we encourage you to learn more about respite care and the benefits these services offer to caregivers.
However, you don’t have to wait until your overwhelmed or feeling the effects of caregiver burnout; respite care services are available whenever you need or want to use them. If you are interested in learning more about Brickmont Assisted Living’s respite care services, we invite you to contact one of our experts for more information!
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