

Caring for an individual who suffers from dementia can require constant monitoring. Neurological decline in those with dementia transforms a once cheerful senior into an aggressive one. Random outbursts, confusion about time and place and delusions are common in dementia patients, making dementia care a seemingly daunting undertaking.
Fortunately, help is available even for dedicated caregivers. Respite care offers dementia caregivers a brief span of relief while ensuring the care recipient is well looked after. A few hours away renews the outlook of those providing care. Personal time may be spent shopping, socializing with friends, and, in general, enjoying life without the stressful weight of nonstop caregiving.
Why do dementia caregivers need respite?
Dementia care involves patience, compassion and knowledge of how the disease affects a senior’s mood, behavior and speech. Providing continual care to a senior with dementia can wear anyone thin. When caregiving overwhelms the dementia caregiver, adverse outcomes affect the senior.
Stress can deplete the quality of caregiving. As a result, the senior suffers the consequences. A break from caregiving duties benefits both the caregiver and care recipient. The chance to revitalize and restore one’s mental and physical energies is critical to continuing to connect with the senior.
The opportunity to recharge one’s caregiving batteries is essential to providing quality care. The caregiver experiences rejuvenation after respite and is better able to focus on caregiving responsibilities. The caregiving role once again becomes fulfilling for both caregiver and care recipient.
What are informal respite options?
Caregivers who provide dementia care can turn to friends and extended family when they need someone to fill in during a break. Neighbors, for instance, may be available to watch the senior for a few hours, as the caregiver heads to the gym or runs errands.
Informal sources of respite also include recruiting volunteers from local faith groups and nonprofit organizations. Volunteers could be available for an afternoon to handle basic caregiving tasks, like stimulating the senior’s mind by playing card games or offering pleasant companionship.
Respite care from informal sources like these usually takes place inside the senior’s home. Additionally, respite care from volunteers, friends and family is often brief. Devoting a few hours or an entire afternoon is common for informal respite care providers.
What are out-of-home respite care options?
When the dementia caregiver needs a break and must be away for an extended period during the day, out-of-home respite care becomes necessary. A few options exist to accommodate such situations. Available options may be limited to certain hours of the day or can be extended.
Adult day care centers are alternatives for caregivers who seek respite during the weekdays. These centers offer the dementia patient planned activities, supervision and health services. Meals are also included in the safe and supportive environment of adult day care centers.
Offering nighttime support, nursing homes are a solution when the dementia caregiver has to be away for 24 hours. The temporary care provided by nursing home staff gives caregivers short-term relief. Nursing homes typically offer care for varying amounts of time.
Retreats designed to add an element of relaxation to a caregiver’s time away are also ideal. One- and two-day retreats give caregivers an opportunity to rejuvenate in tranquil settings away from home. Caregivers also learn stress-relief techniques and how to avoid caregiver burnout.
What are in-home respite care options?
Home care agencies may be staffed with caregivers who specialize in dementia care.
Personal care providers are also available to offer basic help, such as assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming, while the caregiver takes a break. Similar to personal care providers are homemakers. These individuals perform light chores, prepare meals and grocery shop when the caregiver takes leave.
Skilled healthcare professionals offer more qualified help. These professionals are licensed and trained to meet the medical needs of seniors with dementia. With specialized training, skilled workers, like registered nurses, can be hired to step in for respite care, as needed.
Dementia care can be stressful, but respite care, especially when regular, gives caregivers the frequent breaks they need and deserve. It is important to note that caregiving is performed best when the responsibility is shared by multiple people, like family members, close friends and professionals.
Actively encourage involvement from support systems and fairly divide responsibilities. Keep family communication lines open by discussing the senior’s current and future needs. Having regular conversations about the senior’s condition helps all those involved appreciate all that the situation demands.
Caregivers may also draw support and relief when they invite differing viewpoints on care or resources and be open to suggestions about care strategies. A shared online calendar can help organize the people designated as members of the senior and caregiver’s support system.
When families are unable to lend a hand, peer groups are invaluable resources for caregivers. The relationships formed in support groups can lead to caregivers trading respite services. Plus, groups are an invaluable source of caregiving tips and coping mechanisms.
Assisting Hands Home Care
Assisting Hands Home Care is one respite care provider in the far western suburbs of DuPage County that families trust. We offer long- and short-term respite care services. Caregivers start to benefit from our respite services once a customized care plan is developed with one of our helpful representatives.
The professional caregivers who provide respite care at Assisting Hands Home Care are licensed, bonded and insured to ensure maximum peace of mind for families and care recipients. Our senior care agency is also staffed with caregivers who are trained in dementia care.
Whether your respite needs are for a few hours a day or for an extended duration, Assisting Hands Home Care is prepared to satisfy your home care requirements with professionalism, reliability and compassion. Turn to Assisting Hand Home Care for your senior care needs in Batavia, Aurora, Bartlett, St. Charles and the surrounding communities.