Sometimes we all need a break. To unplug, recharge, rejuvenate.
It’s important for caregivers to practice self-care, yet it’s often challenging for them to take time away from their loved one. Respite care is a vital resource for caregivers, providing a break from the day-to-day demands of caregiving while offering peace of mind that their loved one is being well cared-for in a safe, comfortable environment.
Of course, you don’t have to be a caregiver to benefit from a respite stay. There are different types of short-term stays depending on your needs, and all aim to help you with day-to-day tasks and either restore or maintain your independence.
What is respite care?
Respite care is a short-term stay at a senior living community.
Whether it’s for a week or an extended vacation, seeking respite care can help to relieve stress, restore your energy, and promote balance in your life. It can also prevent family caregivers becoming exhausted, isolated, or even burned out. Respite care can benefit the person you’re caring for, too, by providing them with variety, stimulation, and a welcome change of routine.
Respite care takes many forms but boils down to two basic ideas: sharing the responsibility for caregiving and/or getting support for yourself. Respite care is about helping you maintain a healthy balance so that you can continue to enjoy quality of life.
Benefits of respite care
For the 1 in 4 Canadians caring for a loved one, respite stays allows them to take a break from caregiving. Family caregiving is a 24/7 job, and caregivers are often reluctant to take a break, fearing that their loved one will need them when they’re not available. Respite care provides a reliable, trustworthy caregiving resource that can handle all you and your loved one’s care needs. Here are 6 ways that a short stay can help you.
1. A change is sometimes good for the soul
A respite stay in one of our aged care homes can offer a welcome change to the daily routine, provide cognitive stimulation, or simply the chance to relax.
Taking a break allows family caregivers to focus on their own well-being, often resulting improved relationships with their loved one once they return to their role.
2. Transitional care
For an older individual who has just been discharged from hospital, or who needs added support with a health event, respite care at an assisted living home allows them to focus on healing and readjusting to regular life.
3. Social Engagement
For seniors feeling isolated, the opportunity to socialize with peers and participate in community activities is a great way to reset, foster connection, and reduce loneliness. Think of it as a mini getaway made for mental well-being!
4. Respite for seniors with cognitive decline
Short-term assisted living allows family and caregivers of seniors experiencing memory loss to take a trip or much needed break while their loved one stays in a safe, comfortable apartment or suite. Knowing that their mother, father, or spouse have trained staff available day and night offers welcome peace of mind.
5. Time for the caregiver to rest and recharge
Respite care provides an opportunity for caregivers to take time for themselves, allowing them to maintain their sense of identity outside the caregiving role. Once alternative arrangements have been made for the care of their loved one, the caregiver can book a respite stay for themselves. These short stays are an opportunity for the caregiver to recharge, while participating in all the health and wellness activities that the residence offers. Don’t be surprised if you decide that you love the lifestyle too much to leave!
6. Take a Residence for a Test drive
If you’ve been considering senior living communities for yourself or a loved one, a respite stay is an excellent way to evaluate a community and your comfort level in the new environment. When it’s time to decide about moving into retirement setting, you’ll be more informed.
It is the chance to stay in the suites, try the services offered, connect with the community, and get a feel for the residence. According to Chassity McIntyre, Lifestyle Director at River Ridge II Retirement Residence in Manitoba, “It’s an opportunity to feel the relief of knowing that you are being looked after without committing to a move before you’re ready.”
“It’s important for seniors coming into our residence to know that they have all the privacy that they could ever want, but that they are never alone”, says McIntyre. “It’s their home, they make the decisions, choose the services and activities they participate in, and where to eat. Seniors receive as much attention and support as needed, while also being free to shut their suite door and enjoy the privacy of their own home. You can have the best of both worlds – supported yet independent living.”
Short-Term Assisted Care That Makes You Feel at Home
Regardless of level of care required, integrity is foremost, as is personal autonomy. At All Seniors Care, we aim to make every day a successful day; to create a home where individuals thrive.
Live well in our suites knowing care is available, if needed. We offer a wide variety of services that are customized to meet your needs, whether all-encompassing or focused on selected tasks such as:
- Personal care
- Companionship
- Health and wellness activities
- Meals prepared for you
- Light housekeeping
- Trips for shopping, outings, or appointments
We work with seniors and their families to find the combination that works for them. Focusing on each resident’s personal needs and preferences, we provide holistic, dependable, and individualized plans that helps seniors live with a purpose.
Whether you are looking for yourself, or on behalf of a parent or family member, we want to make sure the process is as seamless as possible and provides peace of mind for your family. Come and meet with our Lifestyle Director to discuss care requirements. If you are looking for seniors housing in Edmonton or a retirement homes Ottawa, or another of our locations, contact us today!
