A Call For Help
We recently received a call from a gentleman who had been caring for his wife with dementia. He said that his wife had dementia and he had been his wife’s primary caregiver for many years. The gentleman was looking for someone that could come and spend time with his wife, so he could get out. He said he felt selfish but he wanted to get out for a round of golf once in a while. He was experiencing burnout from being his wife’s caregiver. This type of help he was looking for is called respite care.
Family Caregivers Are Stressed
We hear this all too often – family caregivers feeling guilty for wanting a little time to themselves. The reality is, many family caregivers are burned out, and often they do not realize it. According to AgingInPlace.org, 20-40% of caregivers feel depressed, and even more so among those taking care of a loved one with dementia. Caregivers of older adults also reported a higher rate of having “poor” or “fair” health compared with their peers without the same caregiving responsibilities.
Have you ever had a day with your children where you were not present in the moment, and simply wanted to go to bed because you were so exhausted from all the demands of the day being placed on you? The same is true of family caregivers taking care of an older adult. While they are dealing with an adult, family caregivers are often planning every waking moment around their loved one. Performing personal care, scheduling doctor’s appointments, and feeding their love done nutritious meals can leave the caregiver feeling wiped out. This is even more true when dealing with a family member with dementia, where they may resist bathing or become combative with their loved one.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is when the family caregiver gets a break from their caregiving duties. Companies such as Assisting Hands will send a Certified Nursing Assistant or Home Health Aide to the home to take care of the family member and provide respite. This can occur as needed to free the family caregiver for another activity, or can be on a routine basis.
Why is Respite So Important?
Respite care allows the primary caregiver so much needed time to themself. This allows them time deal with their own needs such as personal appointments. It can allow them to reconnect with friends and pursue hobbies. Respite care can make it possible to attend functions such as dinners or outings that they would otherwise not be able to attend. Family caregivers that receive respite care generally report feeling less stressed, and better able to care for their loved one.
For more information on respite care and all the services we offer, please call Assisting Hands today at 239-337-4263, or visit us on the web at www.assistinghands.com/fortmyers
