As a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you may sometimes feel overwhelmed and exhausted. And that’s fine. Everyone needs a break. It’s okay to ask for help and take a moment for your own well-being.
Memory care for people with Alzheimer’s can be complicated and draining, and as the symptoms of Alzheimer’s progress, it might only get more complex with time. That’s why many caregivers seek respite care, where an alternate caregiver can offer you a temporary break.
The choice of when to seek respite care depends on what’s best for you and the loved one you care for.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care, at its simplest, is a type of short-term care that provides temporary relief to caregivers of individuals who need ongoing care. These individuals could be seniors with medical complications, people with disabilities, or children with special needs. A caregiver who can better manage their physical and emotional needs is also in a better place to care for their loved ones.
Respite care can be provided in many different forms. For example, it could occur in the home of the person receiving care, in a respite care community, or in a hospital. Trained professionals, volunteers, or family members can provide these sorts of respite care.
Knowing When You Need to Access Respite Care
But how do you know when it’s the right time to access respite care? There are some signs you can be aware of that may indicate it’s time to consider respite care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
You’re Feeling Overwhelmed and Burnt Out
Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s important to take care of yourself and prioritize self-care, as this will help you to be a better caregiver in the long run. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, it may be time to consider respite care so you can take a much-needed break.
You’re Struggling to Manage Your Own Responsibilities
In addition to caregiving duties, you likely have other responsibilities such as work, household tasks, and possibly caring for other family members. If you’re struggling to manage all these responsibilities, having someone come in to care for your loved one while you focus on your other obligations may be helpful.
As a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you may sometimes feel overwhelmed and exhausted. And that’s fine. Everyone needs a break. It’s okay to ask for help and take a moment for your own well-being.
Memory care for people with Alzheimer’s can be complicated and draining, and as the symptoms of Alzheimer’s progress, it might only get more complex with time. That’s why many caregivers seek respite care, where an alternate caregiver can offer you a temporary break.
The choice of when to seek respite care depends on what’s best for you and the loved one you care for.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care, at its simplest, is a type of short-term care that provides temporary relief to caregivers of individuals who need ongoing care. These individuals could be seniors with medical complications, people with disabilities, or children with special needs. A caregiver who can better manage their physical and emotional needs is also in a better place to care for their loved ones.
Respite care can be provided in many different forms. For example, it could occur in the home of the person receiving care, in a respite care community, or in a hospital. Trained professionals, volunteers, or family members can provide these sorts of respite care.
Knowing When You Need to Access Respite Care
But how do you know when it’s the right time to access respite care? There are some signs you can be aware of that may indicate it’s time to consider respite care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
You’re Feeling Overwhelmed and Burnt Out
Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s important to take care of yourself and prioritize self-care, as this will help you to be a better caregiver in the long run. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, it may be time to consider respite care so you can take a much-needed break.
You’re Struggling to Manage Your Own Responsibilities
In addition to caregiving duties, you likely have other responsibilities such as work, household tasks, and possibly caring for other family members. If you’re struggling to manage all these responsibilities, having someone come in to care for your loved one while you focus on your other obligations may be helpful.
You’re Not Able to Provide the Level of Care Your Loved One Needs
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive. In time, your loved one’s needs might change, including medical or personal care. They might even experience a change in their behavior. While it’s important to note that any potential aggression from this personality change is a symptom of their condition, not a reflection of their true self, it doesn’t make it any easier for you to face it alone.
An Unexpected Situation Has Come Up
Seeking respite care doesn’t always have to be an emergency. You can use it if you need to take a trip, finish an errand, or for any other reason you may not be around to offer care. However, if the situation is an emergency, it’s vital to have a plan in place. You can discuss your situation with a respite community or an alternate caregiver, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor who could take over for you.
Options for Respite Care
There are several options for respite care depending on the length of time you need, the level of care your loved one requires, and the cost you can manage. Making the right choice requires going over your options and discussing with your loved one what works best for all of you.
The simplest option may be in-home care. This alternate caregiver could be a friend, family member, volunteer, or paid service. This care could include anything from companionship to homecare and getting meals delivered. Whatever you need so you can take a break.
Be sure that if you’re paying for a service it’s accredited and well-reviewed.
If the required care is more involved or needs to take place over an extended period, some assisted living and memory care communities offer respite care. This time doesn’t have to be just a break for you—a visit to a senior living facility can be an enjoyable vacation for your loved one to take part in fun events with new people.
An assisted living facility may also offer this care if your loved one is transitioning from the hospital and requires medical care.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
It’s normal to feel guilty or anxious about leaving your loved one with Alzheimer’s in the care of someone else. Some people see it as an admission of weakness or failure, but it’s the opposite. Knowing your limits and accepting help is essential in providing the best quality of life for your loved one.
And if you decide it’s time to take a break, Fox Trail Memory Care’s expert team is ready to assist in any way we can. You’re not alone on this journey, so talk to our team or schedule a tour around our lush community. Take time to care for yourself, and trust that we will do the same for your loved one.
You’re Not Able to Provide the Level of Care Your Loved One Needs
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive. In time, your loved one’s needs might change, including medical or personal care. They might even experience a change in their behavior. While it’s important to note that any potential aggression from this personality change is a symptom of their condition, not a reflection of their true self, it doesn’t make it any easier for you to face it alone.
An Unexpected Situation Has Come Up
Seeking respite care doesn’t always have to be an emergency. You can use it if you need to take a trip, finish an errand, or for any other reason you may not be around to offer care. However, if the situation is an emergency, it’s vital to have a plan in place. You can discuss your situation with a respite community or an alternate caregiver, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor who could take over for you.
Options for Respite Care
There are several options for respite care depending on the length of time you need, the level of care your loved one requires, and the cost you can manage. Making the right choice requires going over your options and discussing with your loved one what works best for all of you.
The simplest option may be in-home care. This alternate caregiver could be a friend, family member, volunteer, or paid service. This care could include anything from companionship to homecare and getting meals delivered. Whatever you need so you can take a break.
Be sure that if you’re paying for a service it’s accredited and well-reviewed.
If the required care is more involved or needs to take place over an extended period, some assisted living and memory care communities offer respite care. This time doesn’t have to be just a break for you—a visit to a senior living facility can be an enjoyable vacation for your loved one to take part in fun events with new people.
An assisted living facility may also offer this care if your loved one is transitioning from the hospital and requires medical care.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
It’s normal to feel guilty or anxious about leaving your loved one with Alzheimer’s in the care of someone else. Some people see it as an admission of weakness or failure, but it’s the opposite. Knowing your limits and accepting help is essential in providing the best quality of life for your loved one.
And if you decide it’s time to take a break, Fox Trail Memory Care’s expert team is ready to assist in any way we can. You’re not alone on this journey, so talk to our team or schedule a tour around one of our communities in New Jersey. Take time to care for yourself, and trust that we will do the same for your loved one.