Tips for Caregiver to Finding the Right Respite Care

As a primary caregiver for an aging loved one, balancing caregiving duties with other responsibilities can be overwhelming. While family and friends can assist with errands and minor tasks, regular respite care is crucial to prevent burnout. 

Respite care services are diverse, offering in-home, day, or short-term overnight programs. The choice of which to use depends on your specific needs and the level of care your loved one requires. For instance, a day program might be suitable if you need a few hours to run errands, while a short-term residential program could be ideal for a vacation. In-home respite care might be the best option if your loved one has mobility issues. 

Buckner Villas offers short-term respite care services for adults aged 62 and older. For many, respite care serves as a bridge between independent living and assisted living services, as it gives seniors and their families an introduction to assisted living before making a final commitment. Use our secure online form or call 512.580.9882 to discuss our senior living community with a specialist. 

Tips for Caregivers on Choosing Respite Care Services

Finding the best senior respite care for your loved one is essential for their well-being and your peace of mind. Following are tips to help with the process:

• Determine the level of medical care required, including special needs like dementia, medication management, or mobility issues.
• Consider your loved one’s preferences in terms of location and environment.
• Ensure the facility or provider is accredited, licensed, and meets state regulations.
• Schedule tours or visits to observe the environment, meet with staff, and ask questions.
• Inquire about staff qualifications, training, and resident-to-staff ratios.
• Make note of safety measures, cleanliness, and the overall atmosphere.
• Request references and check online reviews.
• Get a detailed breakdown of costs and services.
• Inquire about insurance and financial assistance.
• Evaluate activities, opportunities for socialization, and staff engagement.
• Ensure the provider has emergency procedures in place. 
• Look for providers that offer flexible scheduling to meet your needs. 
• With out-of-home respite care, see if the program offers a trial period.

The best overall tip for caregivers is to trust your instincts. You know your loved one and their needs best. If something about the facility or provider doesn’t feel right, or if you cannot envision your loved one being comfortable, continue your search. Upstanding respite care providers will also want to answer your questions directly and openly share information. 

Caregiver Tips for Self-Care

For many family caregivers, handing over caregiving duties to another, whether a friend, family member, or professional, can feel daunting. Common obstacles to seeking respite care can include:

• Feeling that the caregiving routine is too complex to explain to others
• Thinking that taking time off will only create more work when you return
• Guilt over wanting to take a break
• Fear that another caregiver will not provide quality care

It is essential to stay mindful that maintaining your well-being and seeking support when you need it is crucial to providing the best level of care and maintaining a healthy relationship with your loved one. With this in mind, remember to:

• Prioritize your health with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular check-ups
• Manage stress through adequate sleep, engaging in activities you enjoy, and practicing relaxation techniques
• Delegate tasks to others
• Seek support through counseling, therapy, or support groups
• Stay organized by creating and maintaining a structured daily routine
• Utilize apps or devices that can help with reminders for medications and appointments
• Educate yourself about the illness or medical condition of your loved one
• Stay connected with friends and family

Above all, remember that taking a break is not selfish; it is self-care. Respite care also benefits your loved one by providing them with stimulation, the opportunity to connect with peers, a change in routine, and exposure to activities and services that might not otherwise be available. 

Call Today to Register for Buckner Villa’s Respite Care Program

Respite care has numerous benefits for caregivers and their loved ones. When planning for respite care, it is critical to research to find the program that best suits your needs.

Call 512.580.9882 to talk with an intake specialist and register for Buckner Villa’s respite care program in Austin, TX. You can also reach us by completing our online form.