What Exactly Is Respite Care?

By Robert D. Liken CPC, CTS, President

March 15, 2018

You may have seen the phrase “respite care,” but what exactly is it and could it be part of what you’re missing out on as a caregiver?
 

Home Care Services in Beaver PA: Caregiver Respite
Home Care Services in Beaver PA: Caregiver Respite

 
It’s a Break from Caregiving
Respite means rest, which is exactly what respite care provides for you as a caregiver. Because someone else is with your aging adult, you’re able to take that time and do whatever else you need or want to do. The key to successful respite time is that you need to be able to feel you’re leaving your senior in good hands. Hiring elderly care providers gives you that sense of security so that you’re able to truly relax and enjoy the time that you have away from being a caregiver.
 
You Can Do Activities Just for You
Many caregivers get lost when they start to think about what they should do with their respite time. you can do whatever you want to do, including hobbies that you’ve given up over the years.
Some of the ideas you might want to entertain could include:
 

  • Getting a haircut
  • Reading a book
  • Going for a massage
  • Exercising
  • Meeting a friend for lunch
  • Going to support group meetings
  • Taking in a movie
  • Going to your own doctor

There is no right or wrong way for you to use your respite time, but you do want to make sure that you’re spending that time on recharging yourself so that you’re ready for the next round of caregiving.
 
You Can Do Nothing, Too
Because caregivers tend to be so busy, it might not occur to you that you could use your respite time to do nothing, too. You might take a nap or simply sit somewhere that you can watch nature doing what it does outside your window. You don’t have to have a specific activity in mind in order to schedule respite time. Allow your brain to have an hour or two off.
 
Make a Plan and Stick with It
One thing that you do need to keep in mind is that respite care is not something you can do just once and you’re covered. You need regular time away from being a caregiver, so make a plan for regular time off. Once you do decide on a schedule, stick with it.
You don’t have to take respite care as a caregiver. But if you cut yourself off from that option, you’re doing yourself and your aging adult a disservice. A happy and healthy caregiver has far more to give than a caregiver who is stressed out and frustrated.
 

If you are considering Home Care Services in Beaver, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care. Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551