Caregivers Taking A Break ? Making Alternate ... - Home Health Care

Caring for the elderly family member is a enormous responsibility that few people are willing to accept. The role of a caregiver is one of sacrifice in terms of their own health, family and work. When a person accepts the role of the primary caregiver to the ageing parents, he or she has no idea how long the commitment will last. It could be weeks, months or years and in that time, you as the caregiver will be mentally worn out within just a few weeks of beginning your role as the primary caregiver.

The task of the caregiver is all consuming and it will take over the control of your life very quickly, this is unavoidable. You may find it difficult to cope with the daily stress and will want to take a break very often. Either you can go away for a few days or take a break at your own home. Just like a fulltime job, this also needs recharging of your batteries.

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Before thinking of respite for yourself, you have to make arrangements for the elderly in your care. Some options are available for such an eventuality. The first alternative is respite placements in a retirement home. Many retirement homes have rooms for only respite cases, so that the family members can take some rest. Before reserving a place, you can verify the home in question, by visiting the place. All the local authority offices will have details regarding such places or you can read up on the Internet.

You can opt for the home help or home care services, for the time of your absence. Home help pays visits to the elderly 3 times a day for about an hour, for washing .dressing and feeding the elderly. They do not remain with the elders throughout the day. Home care provides assistance for a longer time, but the attendant does not stay with the elderly round the clock. This may not be a good option for elders requiring constant care.

Another option is to get a family member to help out with the eldercare for the few days you will be away. This might prove to be the best choice because your mind is at ease with a familiar person looking after your elderly parent. The relatives are easily reachable at a moment?s notice, to ensure proper communication. However, there must be a volunteer for this job.

Depending on your financial status, you can combine two or more options, although money is not a concern where an elders well being is involved. You must take a break as often as possible for your own health and mental peace. As a primary caregiver, you owe it to yourself and your family to take a break from the task of eldercare.

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