Find peace this holiday season with respite care from Hearts at Home.
Despite being tremendously rewarding and fulfilling, providing care for an older loved one also entails a multitude of complications that can lead to serious health concerns for family caregivers. And although it is a commonplace for family members to place their own needs on hold to concentrate fully on the needs of their loved one, it’s so important for caregivers to realize that they can actually provide better care when they are well-rested and in good health themselves.
Setting aside time for self-care can be a struggle as well. After all, your loved one counts on you, and you have learned all of the little subtleties that help each day run efficiently – how she likes her tea prepared, her hair curled, the particulars of her mid-day routine. It’s more efficient sometimes to just handle everything yourself than to entrust someone else with it all. Nevertheless, realistically, we all need a little help now and then, and this is particularly true for caregivers, who are susceptible to the increased stress that can result in caregiver burnout.
At Hearts at Home, providers of professional at home care in Kansas City and surrounding communities, our respite care team receives calls from family members frequently who are hesitant to accept assistance, but are in dire need of a trusted partner in care. If this describes you, take into account the benefits of professional respite care – both to yourself and to your senior loved one.
Respite Care Benefits for Caregivers
Skilled respite caregivers, like those at Hearts at Home, are fully trained and experienced in a broad range of senior care needs, including specialized care for those with dementia and other chronic conditions. Our caregivers never come in and “take over,” but take time to listen and get acquainted with each senior in order to provide highly personalized care to meet each person’s individual needs.
As a result, family members have the opportunity to de-stress and replenish themselves with enjoyable activities and interests, exercise, time spent with friends, running errands and taking care of their own needs, all while knowing their senior loved one is receiving the very best of care.
Respite Care Benefits for Seniors
And the benefits aren’t just for the caregiver herself! Seniors gain the opportunity for improved socialization as they spend time with a new companion with whom they can share life stories, participate in fun activities, play cards, learn a new skill, go out shopping or to lunch – the possibilities are unlimited. Respite caregivers can also fix meals, help with housework and laundry, and assist with personal care needs like taking a bath and getting dressed – tasks that are often more comfortable for seniors when carried out by a professional caregiver.
The senior is given a twofold gift: a more relaxed family caregiver, and relief in knowing that the family caregiver is taking care of herself – something that is so important to many older individuals who may struggle with feelings of guilt about their need for care.
If you’d like to learn more about our dependable at home care in Kansas City and nearby areas, contact us any time at 913-440-4209. We’re here for as much or as little respite care assistance as needed – both for your senior loved one, and yourself. To learn about all of the communities where we provide care, please visit our Service Area page.