Respite Care in the New Year: A Resolution for Family Caregivers

Are you your family’s primary caregiver? Chances are, you could use a break to recharge. Overseeing the care of an older family member is hard work, but not everyone knows how to take a step back and welcome help from others. Your new year’s resolution should be to discover a nearby respite service provider that offers customized care and flexible scheduling options so you can take a break when the need arises. 

How Does Respite Care Help Boston Area Families?

A trained respite caregiver provides more than a rest from your duties. They offer peace of mind for the whole family. A care specialist from Right at Home Boston Metro West can meet with your loved one and create a plan to address specific needs while you are away. Our clients range from people who just need occasional assistance with daily activities to folks who need help 24/7, including people in hospice.

There are many reasons to have a compassionate professional take over some of your caregiving duties in the new year: 

Take a winter vacation. In the early months of the year, many Bostonians escape for warmer climates. Line up a caregiver as soon as you know you will be out of town to discuss how and when they can fill in.

Recharge your inner battery. The holiday season can leave family caregivers feeling drained. Switching out one set of responsibilities for another may not have given you time to rest. A no minimum hours program lets you take small breaks when you need to refuel your energy, even if for a nap and some alone time at home.

Get back to exercising. A new year often animates people who have been neglecting their physical well-being to get back into an exercise routine. Caregiving is hard work, especially when going on walks to rejuvenate is not an option. Respite care allows you to take a yoga class or join a weights program to help you manage your health needs.

Catch up at work. People who take on the bulk of their family’s caregiver duties can also fall behind in their jobs. Assisting a parent with daily activities and household chores can be both emotionally and physically taxing. Give yourself a day or two to catch up on work projects.

Go shopping. Respite care is also perfect for the family caregiver who needs an occasional shopping break.

Make an appointment. Your own medical care is important, too. Allow a professional to help with family responsibilities so you can finally schedule a visit to your dentist or doctor. 

Visit a friend. Family care providers are very dedicated. Sometimes that commitment cuts into time you could spend with friends. Hiring a caregiver now and then helps you maintain other important relationships in your life.

Tend to urgent needs. An emergency or unexpected event could impede the care you currently provide. No one wants to scramble at the last minute for appropriate care. Educating yourself about respite care allows you to become informed of your options without unnecessary pressure. You will find that care plans can include a range of specialized services to match your family member’s medical profile.

Get help with your family member’s nighttime needs. If your person’s needs are more intensive, respite care can take the form of overnight care, too. Whenever your family needs someone to step in, a caregiver can be provided on your schedule.

Getting Started: Right at Home Can Meet with You to Assess Your Needs

Respite care is all about providing a much-needed break to families by assisting their senior loved ones. Reach out to us any time so we can meet with the family member who needs care, discuss our offerings with you and conduct an assessment. We will examine your care environment, review the client’s medical profile, address any concerns you have and create a plan based on your individual needs.

Thanks to our broad range of services, you get to choose what types of care Right at Home Boston Metro West will include in your respite program. Call us today or contact us online to get started.