Summer getaways are often viewed as a time to relax, unwind, and get away from the regular hustle and bustle, and rigor of life. We often take time off from work, go with family, and just relax. But, how do you do that if you are a family caregiver for an aging parent or other elderly person?
Some people plan to take that elderly individual with them, not just so they can get away, too, but so they can continue doing that job of being a family caregiver. If that’s the case, where is the relaxation to happen? Where can you unwind and just decompress?
When family caregivers bring their elderly loved ones with them on vacation, meaning those who need considerable support, reminders, assistance, and more for daily life, what happens when that family caregiver returns home and feels as though he or she didn’t even get a moment to decompress?
Stress is a real part of life. It affects every aspect of life. Caregiver stress can overwhelm even the most devoted loved ones who are supporting an aging spouse, parent, or other family member.
When you’re planning a getaway, whether it happens during the summer months when most vacations seem to take place, sometime in autumn, winter, or summer, and you are acting as a family caregiver for a loved one, you need to consider time for yourself.
Believe it or not, respite care at assisted living can be the caregiver option you need for these getaways.
What is respite care?
It generally refers to short-term care. Most people immediately hear the term, ‘assisted living’ and think of long-term care. However, high-quality assisted living communities are now offering respite care options for aging seniors. That means you could arrange to have this aging senior stay at the assisted living facility while you and your family or friends go on vacation.
That might be for a week, two weeks, or even three weeks or slightly more. It all depends on the availability and each assisted living community, but they can give you that time you need to get away without worrying about what’s happening with your loved one back home.
Does this offer other benefits?
Absolutely. Elder care is a great option for seniors as they get older and have difficulty with physical tasks, mental health, and even their physical health. Assisted living is one of the best elder care options out there.
So, relying on respite care means the senior can be surrounded by experienced staff members who are capable and ready to serve their needs while also connecting with other seniors their own age.
Many seniors who take advantage of respite care services at assisted living discover it is nothing like what they thought and realize this could be the best option for them in the future. Depending on the facility, there may be activities going on every day, entertainment, physical fitness programs, gardening, and much more.
The next time you’re planning a getaway as a family caregiver, look into respite care at a local assisted living facility.
If you or an aging loved one is considering a move to an Assisted Living Facility for Caregiver Services in Marietta GA please contact the caring staff at Woodland Ridge today. 770-431-7055
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