Four Reasons to Use Respite Care

When you are a caregiver, you may be trying to do it all. You may have a job that takes you away from your loved one for hours every day. You may also be the one to do the shopping, cooking, and cleaning, as well as all of the care taking duties that you need to do. This can be exhausting, and though you don't want to think about getting help, it just might be time to look into it. 

Respite care may be just what you need. It can be an occasional visit or regularly scheduled, depending on circumstances, and allows you a break (or a chance to do what needs to be done). Here are some reasons you may want to look into respite care.

You need someone to come over and take care of your loved one so that you can go to work. There may come a time when you no longer feel comfortable leaving your loved one at home while you go to work. You can have someone come in every day to stay with your loved one, so that you don't have to worry when you are gone from home for hours at a time.  

If caregiving is your job, you may need someone to come and stay with your loved one so that you can run errands. There are times when you might just need to go run errands and don't feel comfortable leaving your loved one at home alone. You may have someone come in once a week for your regular grocery shopping. If you prefer to run multiple errands in a day, you could have someone come in for a few hours once a month so that you have a few hours free.

You could get someone to come in so that you have time to take care of yourself. When you are a full-time caregiver, your health may not be the top priority. However, if you aren't in good shape, both physically and mentally, you aren't going to be able to be the best caregiver possible. For this reason, you may need someone to come in so that you can go to the doctor's office, the gym, or even just to schedule some pampering, because you deserve a break once in a while! 

Respite care can also help for vacations. Everyone deserves a break from their job, whether it is working outside the home from nine to five or spending all of your time taking care of your loved one. You may be able to use respite care so that you can go away for a weekend (or even a week) with your family or friends. You can request in home care up to twenty-four hours a day if needed, so that you can get the rest and time away that you deserve. 

Though you may want to do it all, there may come a time when you need some help. You can use respite care as much or as little as you would like. You may want to have someone come in weekly so that you can do your shopping without worry, or monthly so that you have time to run errands and take care of your own health needs. Respite care is also great for vacations. You deserve a break, and respite care may be just what you need!

Don't hesitate to call us at Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City to learn more about how our professional caregivers can improve your loved one's quality of life, help maintain their independence and safety at home. Senior Helpers' in home care and respite care services include companion care and personal care that gives you peace of mind when you can't be there.