Caregiving is not an easy task. Caregivers have to balance multiple tasks while keeping the patient at the centre of all activities. From caring for the patient to managing documents and coordinating with doctors – a caregiver manages so much. And this can get overwhelming at times.
If you’re a caregiver, this may sound familiar.
Worry not. We know what you’re going through. And that’s why we will talk about something which can bring you respite – respite care. Let’s understand more about it in this article.
Before going into the details of respite care, let’s understand a crucial aspect – caregiver burnout.
Yes, this is an actual term and quite a serious one! Caregiver burnout refers to the physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that a caregiver faces by focusing on someone else. Studies have found that about 60% of caregivers show signs of burnout such as anxiety, distress, depression, shortened attention span, poor decision-making, lack of motivation and others.
Such burnout can hinder caregiving services and affect the caregiver’s health. They tend to ignore their own well-being by deferring activities that make them happy.
Respite care is a facility designed to give a short break to caregivers. Respite care can help a caregiver take a break from time to time so that they can care for their own needs. Respite care for caregivers is a temporary arrangement where trained professionals step in to take the role of caregivers. It not only provides basic care but enriches the lives of patients with companionship and warmth.
You can avail of respite care at:
You can choose the length of stay based on how long you need a break. Respite care can be set up for a few hours a day as well.
Respite care provides a patient ear, an empathetic touch and a helping hand focusing on the well-being of the patient. Respite care providers are more than caregivers, they become part of the patient’s life during the caregiving period.
A patient with a disability or illness may require care around the clock. This may be a difficult task for a caregiver. Caregivers may require a break from time to time for relaxation and resting. Respite care might be required for caregivers of patients suffering from:
Respite caregivers help patients with their daily routines – from managing their daily medication to listening to their life stories. Respite care is tailored to the needs of each patient so that they can get the right kind of assistance in their journey to disease management.
Respite care works on your behalf when you are away. The caregiving services may include eating, drinking, bathing, dressing, managing medication, getting regular exercise, taking a walk outdoors, and getting in and out of bed.
If you’re availing respite care at home, the service provider can help with household chores such as preparing meals, getting groceries, doing the laundry and others. They can also take the patient to the doctor for medical appointments. A respite caregiver will also help the patient manage their mental health through various methods such as reading out to them, sharing a cup of tea with them or simply listening to their life stories.
When respite care is availed at assisted living facilities, the patient can participate in group activities such as art classes, group yoga classes, dance classes and others. They can also participate in group meals, and group entertainment activities and socialise with others.
For the elderly, isolation and loneliness is a common problem, even if they are not suffering from any serious disease. Respite care facilities can be a welcome change for them as they will get a chance to mingle with other seniors.
As a caregiver, caregiver support provides you an opportunity to take a break from your caregiving responsibilities. You can plan respite care as a regularly scheduled break or as a last-minute help when an emergency appears. You can also plan a longer rest to get a longer break. Respite care can be booked for a few hours or a few weeks.
Different types of respite care services are available for you to choose from:
You can obtain respite care services in the comfort of your home. In such a scenario, the caregiver can act as a companion of the patient or the elderly. At-home caregivers also help the patient or the elderly with their day-to-day activities such as dressing, grooming, eating or taking medication.
TrueCare2U is a leading home care provider in Malaysia offering a variety of caregiving services including respite care. You can obtain the help of trained nurses and professional caregivers in who can take care of a senior or a patient as a family member.
Adult day care services provide day care options for seniors or patients, while you take a few hours of break. These adult day care services offer music classes, exercise classes, meals and other facilities, all supervised by trained staff. Some daycare services may even offer pick-up and drop-off services for people. This can provide a good opportunity for them to socialise, which can be a good option for patients suffering from progressive diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.
You can also avail of respite care at dedicated respite care facilities. This is ideal for longer stays and for seniors or patients who can’t live on their own. Some respite care facilities offer long-term stay options as well.
Respite care is a boon to caregivers in many ways. It gives them a much-needed opportunity to look after themselves be it for a few hours or a few days.
Studies have shown that respite care is beneficial both for the caregiver as well as the person they are caring for.
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