Respite Care: Why Caregivers Need Time Off
If you’re providing care to your loved one, it’s important to remember that this job is one that requires regular respite.
Often times, caregivers are the last to receive care themselves. They work tirelessly around the clock and all too often, they go far too long without taking a break.
For caregivers, it is important–and necessary to take time off. To de-stress, relax, or simply breathe. The demands of being a caregiver can become overwhelming, and not taking some time for yourself can lead to feelings of depression, tremendous stress, and eventually burnout.
Let’s look at a few reasons that it’s important for caregivers to take some time off.
For Your Emotional Well-Being
Caregivers have higher levels of stress than non-caregivers do, and often experience feelings of frustration, anger, guilt, or helplessness. While caring for a loved one is a tremendously valuable and important role, it can also take a toll –both mentally, and emotionally. Taking time off is important for a caregiver’s overall well-being.
For Your Health
Caregiving without any respite can have a detrimental effect on the caregiver’s health. About one in ten, or eleven percent of caregivers report that caregiving has caused their physical health to get worse. Respite is recommended as a way to alleviate the pressure of being a primary caregiver.
To Prevent Burnout
Being a primary caregiver often involves around the clock care. It also carries with it a tremendous amount of pressure, and stress. When these factors accumulate, burnout is a very real possibility. Taking a respite can help to prevent this from happening.
While taking breaks daily is ideal, taking a break at least once a week is necessary. If possible, try to arrange a break for yourself once a day–by having a friend or other family member come by–even if it’s just twenty minutes. You should also try to arrange a weekly break for yourself–either for a good portion of the day–or overnight.
At The Cedars, we offer respite care on a daily or weekly basis to help give caregivers a much-needed and well-deserved break.
For more information on elderly care RI and respite care, contact The Cedars today. We recommend that you call in advance to make a reservation. Contact our Admissions Director at 401-944-8500