Caregiving is something that most family caregivers don’t think twice about doing for the people they love. They want to be there and offer whatever support they can. Over time, caregiving can take a toll, though. There is a lot of stress involved and family caregivers need to understand when it’s time to take a break. Respite care can make sure that family caregivers take regular breaks and that they can do so without worrying that their seniors experience increased challenges because of those breaks.
Increased Caregiver Stress
One of the biggest signs that it’s time for a family caregiver to take a break is that they’re noticing they’re under a lot more stress than they used to be. They might feel overwhelmed by daily life or irritable more often than usual. Stress is a part of life, but if family caregivers don’t have a way to step back and relieve themselves of some of that stress they’re going to experience adverse results.
Declining Health
Too often family caregivers spend so much time focusing on someone else’s needs that they forget that they have needs, too. They might miss doctor’s appointments or ignore signs that they have a health issue themselves. Family caregivers might also start experiencing anxiety or depression because of the strain they’re under. Letting home care providers step in can give family caregivers the space they need to go to their own doctor and take care of their own health.
Physical and Emotional Fatigue
When someone doesn’t feel rested after they sleep, they are likely feeling more than just tired. It’s entirely possible that they’re actually fatigued. Family caregivers can experience both physical and emotional fatigue and each affects their daily lives. If they notice that they’re not feeling motivated or suspect they might be burning out, they may need respite care.
Trouble Managing Responsibilities
When the brain and body get overwhelmed for too long, they just can’t keep up. That’s something family caregivers might start to notice when they haven’t taken a break in a long time. They may have a tougher time juggling work, family obligations, household chores, and caregiving all at the same time. Missing important appointments or forgetting tasks is a big sign that it’s time to slow down a little bit.
Why Taking a Break Matters
Sometimes family caregivers realize they need a break, but feel as if it just won’t make a difference. The reality is that it does matter if family caregivers have time away. Time always helps to reduce stress, improves care quality, and allows family caregivers to address their own health needs. It’s possible to prepare for respite care in such a way that seniors are left in good hands and family caregivers get the rest they need.
Acknowledging their own needs without guilt is one of the first steps that family caregivers need to take before they’re ready for respite care. Home care providers offer the support and assistance that seniors need while ensuring that family caregivers can take time away to recharge.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Respite Care in Omaha, NE, please contact the caring staff at Caretech today at (402) 697-5121
Caretech provides the best care services for seniors and families throughout Nebraska including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney, Fremont, Norfolk, Hastings, Columbus, Papillon, North Platte, La Vista, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City, Beatrice, Lexington, Chalco, Gretna, Gering, York, and surrounding areas.
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