Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty for Choosing Respite Care

If you have a loved one who requires care, then it can be difficult to decide what kind of care will be best for them. Respite care is often considered a ‘bad word’ and people often feel guilty opting for this kind of care. But they shouldn’t feel guilty for choosing respite care.

Here, we’ll go over all of the reasons why, including some background information about what respite care actually is.

What Exactly Is Respite Care?

Respite care is basically short-term relief for the main, primary caregivers of an aging individual. This could provide a break for the primary caregiver, whether it is for an evening, afternoon, or for a few days, or even a few weeks.

The main purpose of respite care is that the primary caregiver gets to take a break from caring for a loved one, and someone else cares for the individual in need. This is so that the primary caregiver can take some time out to recharge.

If you are a primary caregiver for your mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, or anyone you love, then it can be a difficult decision to choose respite care. You may feel that you have failed them, or that you don’t deserve to have a break from them because they need you.

This simply isn’t true. There are so many reasons why you shouldn’t feel guilty about respite care.

Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty for Choosing Respite Care

Respite care is often linked to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and even failure. Some may feel that they have let their loved one down by choosing respite care, and by having someone else look after them for a little while.

However, choosing respite care is often the right thing to do. This is because caregivers can become overwhelmed with their duties and responsibilities, and can struggle to find a balance in their own life. It can be overwhelming, and caregivers may neglect their own physical health, mental health, work, and personal lives in trying to take care of another person’s every need.

If the person in care feels that they have become a burden, this can also impact their health and wellbeing, so it is vital that caregivers get a break from time to time to rest and recharge.

We All Need a Break Sometimes

Caring for someone else can be mentally and physically draining, especially if they have special needs that have to be met. It is completely normal for caregivers to want a break from their duties.

It Doesn’t Mean You Are Neglecting Your Loved One

It is not the patient who is being neglected, it is often that the caregiver’s needs that are being neglected. Respite care can provide time and space for the caregiver to get back on track.

The person you are caring for will not feel neglected. Respite care can ensure that the patient’s needs are entirely met and will not fall by the wayside. If you are unsure how to go about it, then having a conversation with your loved one, to ensure they feel comfortable and understand that respite care is a good thing, is a first step in the right direction.

There Are So Many Options to Choose From

Another benefit of respite care is that there are various options to choose from: from daycare centers, to homecare, respite holidays, short stays in care homes, you name it!

Respite care can take two forms. You can either share responsibility with another caregiver, such as a friend or family member, so that you can take a break. Or you can choose a professional respite care provider with qualified caregivers and options to stay in assisted or skilled living communities, like Winchester Gardens, for a short period of time.

It’s A Great Way to Recharge & Reset

Respite care is important as it allows the caregiver to recharge, reset, and come back refreshed and feeling much better about themselves. They are able to catch up on other responsibilities, errands, and chores, or can reconnect with a friend, child, spouse, or other family members.

They can get the time they need to rest and do something for themselves. This not only boosts their mental health, but their physical health, too, as this can boost the immune system and improve overall well-being.

Respite care can also allow the caregiver to maintain relationships with others, and alleviates any feelings of social isolation and depression that they could be feeling due to their responsibilities to their loved one.

There Is Quality Care for Your Loved One

Respite care can ensure that a loved one gets all of the help and care that they need while the primary caregiver takes a break. Many companies that offer respite care are fully regulated, so that you can rest assured of their capabilities. That way, caregivers can relax, and be comfortable leaving the care of a loved one in capable hands.

You Can Fit Respite Care into Your Budget & Schedule

There are so many different options for respite care! If a primary care provider needs a short break, then respite carers can offer help by attending to the home of the patient for an afternoon, an overnight stay, or even a few days. It is very flexible, and depends on your schedule, needs, and budget.

That being said, respite care can be expensive if it is not in the short-term, so it is important that you try to plan ahead when looking for quality caregivers that can help you out.

Final Thoughts

In summary, respite care means to take a break from being the primary caregiver, and allowing your loved one to be looked after by someone else. In this time, the primary caregiver is able to recharge, refresh, and get back to their own lives for a short while, knowing that their loved one is receiving the utmost care in the meantime.

It is not a bad thing, and no one should feel guilty about choosing respite care. It is vital for the mental and physical health of not only the caregiver, but the patient, too!

The respite care program at Winchester Gardens provides you with a worry-free break from caregiving duties. Learn more about respite care by contacting us today.