Dementia care is highly demanding, leading to a bigger burden for family caregivers. The stress that results from the emotional highs and lows can cause caregiver burnout sooner than in the general caregiving population. Even some dementia patients may require 24-hour care. That is why, respite care benefits both the caregiver and the care recipient.
The rate of burden for caring for a senior with dementia is high, at 46 percent. This is in contrast to the rate of burden of caring for a non-dementia care recipient, which is 38 percent. The physical strain increases in dementia caregivers compared with non-dementia caregivers.
Emotional stress is also higher in dementia caregivers, at 49 percent compared to 35 percent in non-dementia caregivers. Caregivers experience a wide range of emotions while providing care. Without caregiver support, their fluctuating highs and lows contribute to heightened levels of stress.
What is respite care?
Respite care is invaluable to dementia caregivers. It is a form of short-term in-home care. A respite caregiver steps in to assume care responsibilities, allowing the family caregiver an opportunity to take a break to socialize with friends, exercise at the gym, or conduct errands.
Everyone needs a break, and respite care provides family caregivers with well-deserved rest. While the primary caregiver is away, the senior continues to receive uninterrupted, quality care in the safe and familiar home environment. Respite care strengthens the family caregiver’s ability to provide care.
Why should dementia caregivers utilize respite care?
- Avoid Care Facilities
Family caregivers are urged to utilize respite care regularly. Over time, respite care is shown to help primary caregivers continue to care for an aging loved one at home, thereby preventing or delaying an admission to a memory care facility.
By keeping a senior with dementia at home, they experience the security of being in a familiar setting. This enhances their stability, provides a higher quality of life, and delays moving to a care facility. Avoiding admission to a care facility comes with financial savings.
- Improve Health
The primary caregiver who periodically utilizes respite care improves their emotional, social, and physical health significantly. Stress is relieved when they have a chance to enjoy a hobby or meet with friends. Reduced stress and exhaustion prevent them from succumbing to caregiver burnout.
Physical health should be a priority for family caregivers, as it gives them the daily strength to perform their duties. By incorporating respite care into a care plan, primary caregivers have time to attend doctors’ appointments and exercise—both of which contribute to optimum health.
Overall, respite care is beneficial to the family caregiver’s mental and physical well-being. Periodic breaks lead to a more positive outlook and bring out greater compassion in the caregiver. These benefits serve to enhance the primary caregiver’s relationship with the care recipient.
- Form New Relationships
The senior with dementia who receives respite care also benefits. A respite caregiver provides the older adult with social interactions that can lead to a satisfying new relationship. The respite professional might introduce diverse hobbies or activities, which can change up the monotony in the senior’s life.
Respite Care at Home
Older adults with dementia can become disoriented or confused in new settings. This challenge can be overcome with regular stays in the day center or similar care setting, which makes the overall adjustment easier for the dementia patient.
Home care agencies, however, are the ideal option for families looking for quality respite care at home. Professional caregivers are trained to resume care where the family caregiver leaves off. This ensures that the senior’s physical, emotional, and social needs are fulfilled.
Respite care from a home care agency includes several care responsibilities. Professional caregivers serve as pleasant companions to deter the loneliness and social isolation that homebound seniors often feel. They also supervise activities to promote the elderly care recipient’s safety.
Personal care is included in respite care services from home care agencies. The senior receives help with using the toilet, dressing appropriately for the weather, grooming, and bathing. Incontinence issues that commonly affect dementia patients are discreetly and respectfully handled.
Medication reminders are critical to ensuring the senior stays compliant. Professional respite caregivers also keep the home clean with light housekeeping services, such as laundry or dusting. They prepare nutritious meals and assist the aging adult with eating, if necessary.
Call Assisting Hands Home Care for Respite Care
Families that include respite care in their care plans experience greater satisfaction in caring for a senior with dementia. The extra support promotes the well-being of everyone involved. When you are considering respite care, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care.
Our home care agency provides a wide range of non-medical care services to support seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia. We offer compassionate memory care as well as quality respite care. Dementia caregivers are trained to identify and manage symptoms of dementia.
When seniors wander, for instance, our dementia caregivers accompany them through the home and ensure they do not leave. We provide medication reminders, prepare meals, and serve as friendly companions. Your loved one remains supervised since dementia patients shouldn’t be left alone.
Respite care is available to families. Assisting Hands Home Care professionals arrive at your home and resume care. As a result, family caregivers have the chance to rest, relax, and return to caregiving duties with renewed vigor and an improved outlook.
Families have reliable care options from Assisting Hands Home Care in Palos Heights, Illinois. Utilizing our dementia care or respite care services makes a positive difference in the lives of you and your aging loved one.
Call us at (773) 207-3767 to schedule a free in-home consult and learn how we can benefit you.
