Family caregivers should have several resources they can turn to for support when they need a break or the opportunity to manage other responsibilities. While you may have several family members and friends who offer to help, it’s also important to have professional caregivers available to provide assistance when you need it. Naturally, you may be skeptical about having someone new come to your loved one’s home. However, it’s quite likely you’ll quickly find the advantages offered by respite care will change your mind.
Find a Trustworthy Caregiver
You may have heard that one of the disadvantages of respite care is that it’s difficult to find someone you trust to leave alone with your loved one. This disadvantage is a complete myth when you know how to work with an agency to find a caregiver.
Reputable respite care agencies thoroughly vet each caregiver by conducting a background check that includes drug testing and looking into a prospective caregiver’s criminal history. You’ll also have the chance to meet and interview caregivers once they’ve passed the primary hiring process. Being able to hire a caregiver who has been trained and assessed by a professional company allows you to rest assured your loved one is in the hands of someone you can trust.
Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated Home Care Portland, OR, families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our respite caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Stop Worrying about Scheduling Conflicts
Think back to the few times you had to ask someone for help. You might have felt like you were asking a family member to do a huge favor, and you might have even been told no if he or she had something already planned. Respite care gives you someone to turn to who won’t ever turn you down, which also makes life easier when your normal support sources all have busy schedules.
Make Sure Your Loved One Receives Continuity in Care
You might also be worried about whether a respite caregiver can take care of your loved one like you do. While no one is the same as you, it helps to know you call the shots. When you first begin working with a caregiver, you get to tell him or her how your loved one manages daily routines. You can even post notes on a communication board and provide tools such as a daily schedule. This way, your loved one benefits from continuity in care no matter who steps in to help that day.
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 in-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Enjoy a Break without Feeling Guilty
To some people, respite care sounds like self-indulgence. You may even worry you’ll feel guilty about finally taking a break. The good news is you can choose to do whatever you need to do during your time away. You can go to the doctor, hit the gym, or just take a nap.
These types of activities aren’t self-indulgence. They’re essential parts of your self-care routine that every caregiver should have in place. You can also ditch any concerns you have about feeling guilty, since your loved one will be happily engaged in social activities while you’re away.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide senior home care. Portland families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 503-664-7934.
