Over the past 10 years, the population aged 65 and older has increased by 35%. It is common for the older population to need care, whether it be from a family, friend, or through a care home.
Sometimes you just need a break. That’s exactly what respite care can do for you.
What is respite care exactly? Read on to find out.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is short-term care in a professional care home for those who need it. Typically the stay is around a week or two.
Respite care happens when a primary caregiver needs a break or cannot provide care for a certain amount of time. These breaks may be planned or unplanned if there is an emergency.
Respite Care Benefits
To define respite care is simple, but are there benefits to this service? The answer is yes! Here are some of the major benefits:
New Experiences and Relationships
A primary caregiver, especially a family member or friend, often does not have time for others. By taking a break with respite care, the caregiver can increase their social interaction. This is necessary for well-being.
The experience is more beneficial when respite care is done regularly. This also gives the person who needs the care a better chance to become familiar with a care facility and build relationships of their own.
The visitor can also enjoy new experiences. Most people who need care stay at home and become isolated except for the person who is caring for them.
Care homes will provide different activities for visitors to do. Often, they are designed with physical and mental stimulation in mind.
Change of Scenery
While enjoying new activities, a visitor can enjoy a change in scenery. Even the smallest change can make a huge impact.
This respite care service offers a change in view including the ability to make a visitor feel at home inside and out.
Better Energy
Respite care services offer a new sense of energy for their visitors. Not only can the visitors enjoy renewed energy, but a carer can also do the same.
When a caregiver is worn out, the quality of care they present is not going to be the best. A respite care stay can be great for both parties involved as they will build a better relationship through the break.
Prepares for Full-Time Care
Someone who needs care may have a hard time transitioning into full-time care when the time is right. When regular respite care breaks are taken, the transition is much easier.
Is Senior Respite Care the Right Option for Your Situation?
Whether you are the caregiver or the one getting the care, this could be a great opportunity for each of you. Taking a break from each other will help better the relationship between you among other amazing benefits.
If you feel like you need a break, it’s time to seriously consider senior respite care. The mental health of both parties is crucial.
That concludes our article on ‘what is respite care?’ We hope this helped! Continue reading our other articles for great content.
