6 Benefits of Respite Home Care for Aging Parents

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Advantages Respite Care Offers Older Adults in Philadelphia, PA

You already know respite care does family caregivers a world of good, since everyone needs a break. However, you may still be feeling guilty about leaving your senior loved one alone with someone new, and you may even wonder if taking a break is selfish. Understanding how your loved one benefits from receiving respite home care helps you make the arrangements with complete confidence that this is a win-win option for everyone involved.

1. Prevent Illness & Injuries

Caregiver burnout can cause you to make mistakes with your loved one’s care, such as mixing up medications. You may also feel tempted to leave your loved one home alone if you must leave for a doctor’s appointment and have no one to watch him or her. These situations can lead to your loved one getting dangerously sick or injured. Respite care lets you rest so mistakes with your loved one’s care are less likely to happen.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional at-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

2. Note Health Changes Faster

Being tired can also cause you to overlook new symptoms that indicate a change in your loved one’s health. The same thing can happen because you see your loved one every day, and you may not notice subtle changes that occur gradually. A respite caregiver will see your loved one with a fresh set of eyes every time he or she comes to visit. The caregiver will let you know if he or she is concerned about things such as changes in your loved one’s speech or ability to walk properly.

3. Break Up the Monotony of the Week

Life can get boring for seniors who are at home the majority of the time. Seeing a new face gives your loved one something to get excited about, and he or she can enjoy getting to talk to the caregiver about new topics he or she might have already covered with you. Seniors tend to get so excited about their caregivers’ visits that they even mark them on their calendars for weekly countdowns. 

Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Philadelphia in-home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

4. Discover New Ways to Do Things

A respite caregiver typically tries to do things the way your loved one likes them done. However, he or she may also introduce new ideas to enhance your loved one’s routine. For instance, the respite caregiver may show your loved one how to use a utensil with a strap to prevent tremors from causing him or her to spill food. 

5. Alleviate Feelings of Guilt or Frustration

Your loved one likely worries about you. Aging parents want to know their family caregivers are happy with their roles and in other areas of their lives. Your loved one needs to see you do things that help you maintain your physical and emotional health. In fact, you’ll likely find your loved one listens with avid interest to all your stories about what you do during your time off. 

6. Expand Their Social Networks

Respite care lets your loved one know there are multiple people who care enough about him or her to help. Depending on your loved one’s health, he or she may even get to go on an outing, watch a movie, or do a special activity with a respite caregiver. Enjoying some extra socialization helps your loved one maintain a positive outlook on life.

Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Philadelphia, PA, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (215) 645-4663 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.

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