As a caregiver, we’re always putting the needs and interests of our loved ones ahead of ours. The physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion over time can easily lead to burnout, in turn affecting the quality of care our loved ones receive. Are you unsure if it’s time to consider respite care?
When Is It Time to Consider Respite Care?
- Simple tasks feel overwhelming
You realize some household chores have slipped through the cracks – laundry starts to pile, your yard is poorly maintained, and there are always dirty dishes in the sink.
- You’re losing your temper often
One of the main signs of burnout is poor emotional regulation – finding your patience wearing thin, snapping at others more, or taking out frustration on people who don’t deserve it.
- Frequent arguments with your loved one
Tensions can become frayed when two people spend a lot of time together. Rather than putting your relationship at stake, time apart may be incredibly valuable so you can both appreciate the time you do spend together.
- You simply want a break
Finally, you don’t need a specific reason to set up respite care for a loved one. Everybody deserves a break, and the beauty of respite care can be just that – a short break to recharge and allow you to be the best caregiver you can be.
How Can I Take a Break When My Loved One Needs Me?
You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’ve ever been on an airplane, you already know the drill. Before a flight, the attendant will instruct all passengers to always place an oxygen mask on themselves first before helping others in times of emergency. When you’re wondering whether it’s time to consider respite care, the same can be said for caregiving.
Improving our relationship with ourselves and taking care of our own health is not only important but essential if we wish to care for others.
Time To Consider Respite Care – Choosing a Community
Understandably, it might be difficult to entrust your loved one’s care to a stranger if you’ve never needed respite care services before. However, you can put your fears to rest by conducting some basic research on the subject.
Make time in your schedule to visit a few communities first-hand to learn which ones best suit your needs. This is the opportunity to ask as many questions as you want to eliminate your concerns about placing your loved one in respite care. Here are a few other considerations that may be helpful:
- Do you enjoy the ambiance of this community and is the environment well-maintained?
- Does this community hold a decent reputation for its quality of care and meeting residents’ needs?
- Do the staff interact respectfully and cordially with one another and with residents?
- Do guests receive three nutritious meals a day? Can special dietary needs be met?
- Do respite care residents have access to the same social events, programs, and activities available to other full-time residents?
Why Choose The Summit?
If you’re a caregiver searching for respite care services, consider visiting The Summit. With a wide range of amenities and services, our warm and secure community offers individuals the ideal environment to live happier and healthier.
For more information about our respite care services or to schedule a tour, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
