Could you, or someone you love, benefit from respite care? Respite care is a temporary stay in a senior assisted care center or assisted-living facility to help seniors—and sometimes children—transition from a skilled-nursing bed to home. There are, however, other instances that merit respite services.
Some reasons why seniors go into respite care settings include:
Short-term rehabilitation. A short-term stay in an assisted-living facility may be warranted when recovering from a medical issue for support and treatment. For instance, short-term rehab is perfect for individuals that need physical or occupational therapy services following a stroke.
Recovery from an injury. Another ideal time for respite is when you are recovering from an injury. It may simply be unsafe for individuals, especially seniors, to return home when they are still recuperating from a fall, a broken bone, or other accident.
Step-down from a hospital. Physicians and providers often recommend respite care for patients after they have been in the hospital. This can speed-up post hospitalization recovery with support, particularly when the patient lives alone.
Safety issue with the living situation. If the patient is living in an unsafe situation, respite is an option. Sometimes this has to do with the physical condition of the home, an infestation of some sort, or when there is a problem with a cohabitant in the dwelling.
Give caregivers a break. Another common and practical reason to consider respite care is to simply give caregivers a break. This also provides peace of mind for loved ones, knowing that their senior is in a supportive and therapeutic environment temporarily.
Caregiving is exhausting work, both physically and emotionally. When caregivers become burned-out by their responsibilities, it can easily evolve into compassion fatigue. It is not uncommon for professional caregivers that suffer from compassion fatigue to leave the field, which results in further-strained resources in some areas and regions.
Some signs that you are burning-out as a caregiver and need support are:
Apathy. Apathy and feelings of indifference are signs that you are burning out and risking compassion fatigue.
Mood changes. Mood swings or bouts of depression can be an indication that you need a break.
Fatigue. Chronic fatigue and changes in sleep patterns are another sign that you are becoming stressed or burned-out.
Changes in habits. Changes in eating habits or behavior patterns could be a warning sign; another related symptom is a lack of interest in things, activities, and recreation that you once enjoyed.
Withdrawal or isolative behavior. If you or your caregiver becomes withdrawn or isolative, it could be time to consider respite care for support.
Respite care is a wonderful option that can provide caregivers with a much-needed and well-deserved break. Consider these signs to determine if you- or your caregiver—are becoming burned-out and showing signs of compassion fatigue. Reach out for respite care and discuss options with assisted-living facilities in your region. For more information, contact companies like Haven Homes.
