The holidays can mean different things to different people. For many, the holidays are a time where eggnog flows freely and folks come to visit from near and far. Everyone is merry and goes home, with full bellies and with visions of sugar plum fairies.
For many others, it might mean juggling the special needs of a family member that you’re the primary caregiver for. This can present its fair set of challenges.
Caregiver burnout is a real, serious issue. As such, it’s important to take time for yourself, make sure your senior loved one gets the care and attention they require but remember to take time for yourself. Everyone should enjoy the benefits and joy of the holiday season.
We often speak with families who feel that they need a break but don’t know how to achieve it. How can respite care help? What it might mean to you, and how it can benefit you during the holidays.
Your first concern might be: what is respite care?
The respite care we will speak about in this blog, is short term care provided for seniors in a retirement home to give primary caregivers (usually unpaid) a break. Caregivers are commonly family members in this particular case.
Essentially, a retirement home would step in for an agreed amount of time (usually 1 to 2 months) to relieve the primary caregiver of their duties. There is also a longer related type of stay called Winter Stays, which you can read about here.
A residence would take over the duties of the primary caregiver, which include but aren’t limited to:
Respite services are important. It gives the primary caregiver ample time to enjoy some rest, relaxation, and an opportunity to charge their batteries so that they can provide the best care possible to their loved one. Not only that, but many caregivers put their own lives in a hold pattern to care for their loved one. Having this break allows them to get caught up on their day to day responsibilities.
Conversely, you may be the one looking into respite care for yourself! It’s a great way to ease yourself into retirement living. Not only that, but it can be a great help with tasks that are made even more difficult by snowy conditions, such as getting out for groceries and social functions.
Of course, we already know that the holidays can be full of stress.
Having to wonder whether or not you’ll be able to purchase the gifts you have on your list or enjoy Christmas baking shouldn’t be on your mind. Respite care can afford you the time you need to get some quality ‘me’ time, all while also enjoying the fun of the Christmas season.
You’re likely of the opinion that no one can know how to care for your loved one as well as you can, as you’re with them all the time! This is completely fair, but not necessarily true. Tea and Toast meticulously screens retirement homes, so that your loved one’s health concerns are met and exceeded.
Ultimately, we want you to feel comfortable knowing that you can enjoy the fruits of the holiday season, while also being aware that your loved one is receiving the best care possible.
Retirement homes continue to welcome seniors into their homes for respite stays even during this tricky time. There have been a few changes however, that you need to be aware of:
The team at Tea and Toast are experienced, compassionate and value your privacy and the well-being of both you and your loved one. We will make it our mission to help match you or your loved one with the best possible retirement home in the Ottawa area.
Get in touch with us by phone or use our convenient website contact form today!
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