Caring for a loved one who is sick or disabled takes a lot of time and can begin to feel like a burden. You have enough love to share, but do you have enough time and energy? You can become so engrossed with the patient’s needs that your needs fall by the wayside. Caregivers should never feel guilty about wanting time for themselves. Taking time off is a healthy choice. This is where respite care comes in handy.
Respite care is just what it sounds like — You get a respite from your duties to take care of yourself while your loved one continues to get good care. Respite care can be as short or as long as you need it. Professionals who are trained in caring for elderly and special-needs people can take over their care while you get refreshed.
Respite care can take place in different venues: your home, special day-care centers, and residential centers that offer overnight accommodations. The timing is up to you — it can last for hours, days, and even weeks. You know how much time you need to rest, relax, shop, work, exercise, go to your own appointments, vacation — whatever you need.
While you are away, your loved one will be in good hands. Trained caregivers can sit and talk with patients who may feel lonely, isolated, bored, or abandoned if you leave, even if only for a short time. Trained providers can help with the usual routines, like bathing, dressing, eating, handling medications, exercise, and even time out of the house. Family caregivers can feel lonely and isolated as well, maybe even trapped in their own little world. Time away is good.
Group respite care is a good option. This usually takes place at community centers, adult day-care centers, and assisted-living homes. There are programs that entertain and stimulate the patients, such as music, art, and dance classes, led by trained professionals. Meals are often included and offer opportunities for socialization.
Bristol House Memory Care offers respite care and can answer your questions about qualifications, insurance, and other concerns.
The mission of Bristol House Memory Care is to provide excellent care to residents and offer peace-of-mind to family members. Our vision is to be the memory care community of choice for families affected with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. In the spirit of open communication, we work together with families to create a culture at Bristol House Memory Care based on respect and dignity for all individuals. Our expertise in advanced care practices and commitment to ongoing training ensures that we will provide unsurpassed quality of care.