We understand how love and loyalty make it easy to make the decision to be a caregiver for family members. What many are not prepared for is the physical and emotional toll involved. Respite care services from Senior Helpers of Baltimore can provide you with the mental, physical, as well as emotional break you need to keep yourself in a state of wellness and avoid caregiver fatigue.

What is Caregiver Fatigue?

Caregiver fatigue can be the result of caring for a loved one full-time. It is easy to put all your energy into caring for a loved one who is aging or ill. You probably do not want it any other way. And you might even think that it is part of the commitment you made to provide care. Just because you have made this commitment does not mean that you should set aside caring for yourself.

When one commits to caregiving full time, caring for yourself can become your second priority. You should not lose yourself in the process of this commitment. You need to be at your best to provide the best care for your loved one. By setting aside time to put yourself first, you can be a better caregiver. Even a few minutes here and there to run personal errands or a day off to spend with other family members can refresh you personally.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care comes in many forms. It is providing temporary care services so that the caregiver can take some time to do things they need to do for themselves. Furthermore, it can be as simple as one coming over to give the caregiver a break to take a long hot bath or go get a manicure and run errands. It can also take the form of replacing the caregiver for a few days allowing them to take a short vacation or spend time with other family members. Respite care is an important form of caregiver support that prevents caregiver burnout or compassion fatigue.

Our respite care services can include:

• Personal care services such as bathing and dressing
• Preparing meals
• Light housekeeping duties including laundry
• Simple companionship
• Assistance with other activities associated with daily living

Why is Respite Care Important to the Caregiver?

Respite care gives the full-time caregiver a chance to recharge both mentally as well as physically. It is important for the caregiver to take the time to focus on themselves and not just the loved one they are caring for. Being a caregiver can be both physically as well as emotionally exhausting. And giving your full attention to the needs of another can affect the health of the caregiver leading to caregiver fatigue. You need to take time for yourself to avoid compassion fatigue. In the long-term planning of taking care of a loved one, caregiver support needs to be considered for the health and wellness of the family member who devotes all their time to caregiving.

Baltimore County as well as Howard County caregivers can count on the resources offered by Senior Helper's Respite Care professionals. Contact us today to discover the respite care services available. You can only provide your best care to your loved ones if you take good care of yourself.