Scheduled respite care is essential for minimizing the risk of family caregiver burnout. A proactive approach is the best approach, as self-care helps you provide the highest quality of care. Here are the top 4 times to hire a respite caregiver.
1. Daily Respite
Daily support provides balance, particularly as care needs increase or the need for care is prolonged. From wake-up and tuck-in services to 4 or more hours a day, so that you can rest and maintain connections outside of the home.
During this time you can:
· Go to the gym
· Run errands
· Get coffee
· Go out to eat
· Go to the movies
· Get a massage
· Personal hobbies
· Kids activities
· Rest and relax
What are wake-up and tuck-in services?
Wake-up and tuck-in services are 1 or more hour shifts in the morning and evening. In the mornings, we get your loved one out of bed, bathed, and dressed. In the evenings, we get your loved one into their pajamas and into bed. These shifts help shy family members maintain modesty and provide extra support when caring for a family member with limited mobility.
2. Overnight
If the loved one you’re caring for can no longer sleep through the night, you’re not sleeping through the night either. If you’re chronically fatigued, you won’t be as alert or detail-oriented during the day. Your immunity will also decrease, and you’re more likely to be irritable.
3. Weekly breaks
Taking a full day, or a few blocks of time 1 or more days a week, may be all you need to recharge, refresh, and maintain your friendships, interests, and health. You can hire a respite caregiver for a set weekly schedule or create a schedule built around your personal obligations and your kid’s extracurricular activities.
4. Vacation
Some of our clients only reach out to fill caregiving gaps while on vacation. This can include daily check-ins, wake-up and tuck-in services, overnight support, or 24/7 caregiving. We can be the sole caregiver or assist the family member who is filling in for you while you take a break.
Give yourself a break by hiring a respite caregiver
Reach out to discuss how Gentle Spirits Homecare can provide respite services for you or your family member. We provide non-medical caregivers throughout Broward County.
