Professional caregivers know what they’re signing up for when choosing their career path. While their jobs can be intense, they have education, training, and time off that helps them cope with the intensity of their work. By contrast, unpaid caregivers usually find themselves thrown into the role out of necessity following an injury or illness of an elderly loved one. They are often unprepared for this change and fulfill the role in addition to their already-full lives, resulting in excess stress that can leave them overwhelmed and exhausted.
Whether provided in-home or via a short-term stay in a senior living community like Buckner Villas, respite care provides caregivers with the help and relief essential to preventing fatigue and burnout. Respite care also offers peace of mind because caregivers know their loved one will be safe. Contact Buckner Villas at 512.580.9882 if you’re considering respite care. We’ll answer your questions and let you know the benefits of our senior respite care services.
Know When You Should Consider a Senior Respite Care Program
Unfortunately, millions of Americans become the primary caregivers for elderly family members following an injury or sudden illness. Even when planned for, becoming a caregiver is an immense responsibility. While it can be gratifying to know you are helping a loved one remain at home, it can sometimes be frustrating, stressful, and overwhelming.
A senior respite care program temporarily relieves caregiving duties when you need extra support. Whether you need time to tend to other responsibilities, take care of your needs, or just relax, you can do so without fear or guilt, knowing your loved one is in capable hands.
For many, knowing when to seek support is the biggest challenge. Caregivers often feel guilty for wanting a break, that someone else won’t do a good enough job, or that explaining a complex care routine is too much effort. Thus, they get stuck thinking it is easier to do everything themselves.
If you’re regularly feeling exhausted, emotionally drained, or that everything is too much, it’s time to start considering respite care. Ask yourself the following:
- Are you struggling to keep up with your responsibilities?
- Do you frequently feel anxious, depressed, or angry?
- Is caregiving interfering with your work commitments?
- Are you losing sleep?
- Is your health declining?
- When was the last time you had a day to yourself?
- Have you stopped participating in activities or hobbies?
- Do you and the person you’re caring for often butt heads?
The best way to know when to consider a senior respite care program is to listen to your body. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
What to Expect from Senior Respite Care Services
Knowing what to expect from senior respite care depends on whether it occurs in-home or out of the home. Senior living facilities vary greatly in the services they offer, so it is essential to research your options.
At Buckner Villas, we provide short-term senior respite care services for various levels of care, including assisted living and memory care. Here, your loved one will receive the same individualized, compassionate care as our residents, including the following:
- Assistance with activities of daily living, as needed
- Chef-prepared gourmet meals
- Medication management
- Recreational activities and social events
- Exercise and wellness programs
- Full access to on-site amenities
- Companionship, conversation, and connection
- 24/7 access to medical care
- Transportation services
In addition to helping mitigate caregiver burnout, respite care gives seniors a break from their routine and provides critical socialization and peer support.
Choose Buckner Villas for Senior Respite Care
At Buckner Villas, we understand the rewards and challenges of being a caregiver for an elderly loved one. We also know the benefits of respite care for all involved. In addition to taking time to recharge yourself, you might start considering senior respite care if you’re:
- Returning to work after taking leave
- Going on vacation
- Recovering from surgery
- Tending to health issues
- Navigating a significant life change, such as a birth or death in the family
Buckner Villas’ senior respite care services provide the support you need to avoid caregiver burnout. We also offer the activity and peer socialization your loved one needs to maintain a good quality of life. Reach out to us at 512.580.9882 to learn more.