Respite Care: 8 Benefits for Family Caregivers

10 Dec Respite Care: 8 Benefits for Family Caregivers

Learn about respite care and how a much-needed break from the demands of caregiving can benefit a family caregiver. Prevent caregiver stress with professional home care support. Find local respite care providers in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

What is respite care for home care?

Respite care provides caregivers with a well-deserved break from their daily caregiving duties while providing their loved one with the assistance and care they need. This professional home care support can range from a few hours in a day to overnight to as long as several days. These services are available across the region, including right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Respite care can support family caregivers.

The need for a break

Why family caregivers need time off

• 55% of caregivers feel overwhelmed by the amount of care needed for a family member.
• Caregivers spend an average of 23.7 hours per week providing care to a family member.
• 1 in 5 caregivers report physical strain due to caregiving duties.
• Caregiver burden and stress is prevalent among a large group of family caregivers. Read more about caregiver burden and ways to overcome it.
• LGBT caregivers may face additional burdens and concerns

How does respite care in Philadelphia benefit family caregivers?

The chance for rest and relaxation

Go shopping, hit the gym, take a vacation, do whatever brings you joy. You have the right to enjoy life and not feel guilty.

Maintain Health and Well-Being

Even a break of two to three hours can relieve caregiver stress, lower blood pressure, recharge your batteries, and restore a sense of balance and purpose.

Offer Perspective

Take a break with caregivers specializing in respite care in Philadelphia

Time away helps you alleviate caregiver burnout and keep things in proper perspective. You might even think of better ways to do things.

Preserve Identity

It’s a great way to maintain your sense of self. You are important, too!

Promote Engagement

Social isolation can be a huge problem for caregivers. It’s important to take time to engage with friends and family away from your caregiving duties.

Be Your Best

Taking care of your needs allows you to return refreshed so you can continue to provide the best care to your loved one in the future.

Prevent poor habits

When a caregiver is overworked, they may start some bad practices in order to manage their stress. Caregivers may drink more or exercise less when faced with the burden of family care. A needed break can help keep up good habits and a positive routine. 

Added support 

A major concern caregivers experience is not receiving adequate support.  As possibly the only family member able to provide support, respite care gives you help when caring for a senior loved one. A professional caregiver can also give pointers to use when they are not in the home. 

How Can A Loved One Benefit From Respite Care in Philadelphia?

Respite care done at-home, in a residential program, or in senior living communities, can offer various benefits to older adults.

• New friends and connections with peers
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Reduced feelings of social isolation and depression
• Educational and social activities that challenge their abilities
• A comfortable introduction to the senior living community

Types of Respite Care

In-Home Respite Care

Provided by a home care agency or volunteers for help with things like personal hygiene, dressing, meals, taking medications, light housekeeping or providing companionship. In-home care allows your loved one to remain safely in the comfort of their own home. Plus, it’s convenient since you don’t have to bring your loved one to a different location. Chosen Family Home Care is one such provider of premier home care that’s always nearby and serving much of the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. 

Residential Programs

Chosen Family Home Care respite caregivers

Provide options for planned overnight or emergency assistance. This type of respite care for the elderly is offered through hospitals, nursing or group homes. There are many local Philadelphia options for care homes available, as seen here. 

Senior Living Communities

Respite care offers engaging activities, stimulating programs, meals and more in a safe, supportive and cheerful environment, typically during overnight stays. Participants thrive in a vibrant community setting with friendly, caring team members always nearby. Many senior living communities across greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offer these services. 

Read more of our top caregiver resource articles:

• 4 Ways That Caregiving May Be Hurting You
• 18 Must-Read Blogs for Caregivers
• Caregiving during the Coronavirus: How to Protect and Engage Seniors at Home in Philadelphia
• How Caregivers and Loved Ones Can Understand the Signs and Stages of Dementia

Getting Started with Respite Care in Philadelphia

If you are frustrated or have been feeling burnt out as a caregiver, it is a good time to consider respite care. Taking care of yourself is all-important. Respite care in Philadelphia offers a break you need to rest and recharge.

Senior Housing Net lists a variety of respite care options in senior living communities and in residential programs.

Chosen Family Home Care is a Philadelphia respite care provider and greater Delaware Valley based home care agency that specializes in different caregiver support offerings. With a comprehensive needs assessment and mission-driven approach, we can determine the best course of action for you and your loved one, while considering your budget and the individual requirements that family caregivers need. Contact us now for a free consultation and review of your case so we can determine the best course of action to get you the break you need in Philadelphia.