The US is in the middle of an unpaid care epidemic. It’s estimated that more than 40 million Americans provide unpaid eldercare of some kind. This number is expected to rise alongside rising retirement home fees.
For those in this position they may be able to claim respite care. This is short term care provided to give someone’s usual caregiver a break. If you haven’t considered respite care, here are some of the main benefits.
Reduce Stress for All Involved
Patience is something that is required to provide adequate care to a family member or friend. It’s no surprise that caregivers often report that they’re stressed and lacking patience. Approximately 88% of US caregivers report increased stress and anxiety levels as a result of the care they give.
Respite care can give you time to de-stress and get away from your responsibilities. Even a short break can make a big difference to stress levels.
Not only is this better for your mental health but it can lead to greater levels of patience in caregiving.
Increase Well-Being by Relieving Frustration
No matter how much you love someone, it can be frustrating to have to take care of their needs so much. Your well-being is directly under threat when it comes to being an unpaid caregiver.
Respite care can give you the chance to relieve those feelings of frustration. Remember, you need rest even when you do not think you do. Exhaustion can diminish the quality of the care you provide and lead to outbursts if unaddressed.
Spend More Time with Your Family and Friends
One of the unintended consequences about becoming a primary caregiver is finding yourself lonely and isolated. A survey in the UK looked to tackle this issue and reported that 8 in 10 unpaid caregivers have reported feeling isolated and lonely as a result of their responsibilities.
Give yourself the chance to reconnect and spend more time with other family and friends. Respite care can enable you to engage with your community and avoid feelings of loneliness.
Improve the Relationship Between the Person You’re Caring For
Anyone who has been in constant contact with someone will tell you that it can be difficult to be around someone all the time. This can quickly begin to take its toll on the relationship as a whole. It’s a completely natural process.
Rejuvenate your relationship with the person you’re caring for by taking a break. Respite care gives you that time and opportunity to reassess your relationship and take away many of the pressures on that relationship.
Allow the Person Receiving Care to Interact with Others
Those who study this issue often forget that the stress a caregiver is feeling is equally shared by the person being cared for. If you feel like you don’t talk to anyone else, the chances are they feel the same way.
Respite care allows them to enjoy interacting with someone else. It enables them to expand their own social circles.
In short, respite care is a great social opportunity for both parties.
Last Word – Respite Care Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
Respite care has never been more accessible or as affordable as it is now. It’s never been easier to find a quality respite care agency to take over your duties for a few weeks. With all the benefits a break can bring, this could be one of the best investments you can make for both sides.
It doesn’t have to mean a lowering of standards and it most certainly doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your loved one. It’s about doing what’s best for both sides.
Have you considered a period of respite care for your loved one?