Life is demanding. More so when you are caring for others.
The responsibilities of caring for someone who is older or has special needs or disabilities can be demanding on your physical, mental, financial, emotional, and social health.
Just as flight attendants advise at the beginning of every flight to “put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others,” the same advice applies to family caregivers. Putting your own oxygen mask on first is a metaphor for self-care.
We all need a break from the demands of daily life. This is especially true for family care partners. Respite is an important yet often overlooked aspect of every family care partner’s self-care.
As Aging Life Care Managers we focus on the older adult (or client) who needs support and services, but we also pay attention to their direct support system, be it family or friends. Your health and well-being are equally important.
What is self-care?
Self-care is the practice of taking steps to improve or maintain your own physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. It involves caring for yourself through healthy boundaries, managing stress, exercise, proper nutrition, rest, hydration, engaging in practices that bring joy, and taking breaks.
Self-care is not selfish. It is an essential, proactive approach to managing your own well-being and quality of life.
Navigating the care of another, in addition to the complex systems of health care, social services, and family support, can be stressful. It is around-the-clock and overwhelming. Stress and its impact on health often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Caregiver burnout is real. Take this quiz to find out if your flame is about to fizzle.
What is respite care?
Respite care includes the supports and services you put in place to cover the needs of the person in your care when you are taking a break—a respite—from caregiving responsibilities.
Benefits of Respite and Rest
- Prevents Burnout and Reduces Stress: Regular breaks, particularly for caregivers, are crucial for lessening emotional and physical exhaustion.
- Improves Physical Health: Rest provides time for necessary physical recovery from the demands of caregiving, such as lifting or constant activity.
- Enhances Emotional and Mental Well-being: Respite can help reduce tension and irritability, improving patience and reducing anxiety.
- Relationships Strengthened: Time off can lead to a more positive, patient, and appreciative relationship with the person in your care.
- Peace of Mind: Utilizing respite services provides assurance that your person is safe and well-cared for, allowing you to truly relax.
- Shift Perspective: A break can help you gain new perspectives and find better ways to handle daily challenges.
Respite care can be provided in many ways:
- Informal. Family, friends, or neighbors can step in to care for your relative for short periods—either at no cost or a small fee.
- In-Home Care. Caregiving support can also be provided by home care agencies or independent professional caregivers. Home care aides can assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, medication management, and eating, and serve as a companion.
- Adult Day Centers. Adult day health and other centers and programs offer a variety of social and creative engagement, as well as some light physical activities and nutrition. You can find an adult day program at the National Adult Day Services Association: www.nadsa.org
- Residential Settings. Some long-term care communities offer short-term respite stays. A respite care stay can be up to 30 days, depending on the provider. Care is provided 24-hours a day.
- Volunteer Programs. Many community organizations offer volunteer programs for companionship or to help with tasks.
- Area Agencies on Aging. Explore the Eldercare Locator for programs, services, and options in your area.
- Veterans Administration. Check the Geriatrics and Extended Care / Respite Care eligibility and services to see if you qualify.
How do you coordinate respite care?
If the thought of navigating and planning for respite is too stressful, consider engaging the guidance and services of an Aging Life Care® Manager like myself. We know the specifics of the local resources, including respite care options, in our communities and understand how services are accessed.
“Caregiving is stressful, difficult work,” reflects my colleague, Lisa Mayfield, founder and principal of Aging Wisdom and a past president of the Aging Life Care Association, “And with a little research and some thoughtful planning, you can take some time away. You’re investing in your own health. You can confidently leave the person you care about in caring hands and get refreshed. If you’re not healthy, you can’t be your best. Remember—your health is as important as that of the person you are caring for.”
About the Author: Lauren Wandler, BS, CMC, is a Certified Care Manager at Aging Wisdom®, an Aging Life Care™ practice based in Seattle, WA. Lauren is a passionate professional whose work experience and expertise encompasses care management, life enrichment, senior living, hospitality, and healthcare. Lauren brings a decade of experience working with older adults and their families. Lauren is an advanced professional member of the Aging Life Care Association.