What is Respite Care? by Comfort Keepers Western Slope
Comfort Keepers
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Comfort Keepers
May 02, 2024
Colorado - Western Slope
Respite care is defined as the transfer of primary caregiving responsibilities to another person, typically a professional caregiver, relative or friend, in order for primary caregivers to receive temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. Respite care takes many forms – some family caregivers choose to have someone take on caregiver duties for a few hours a week or a few hours a day. Or, some schedule respite care for longer periods of time to accommodate an extended break or vacation.
What You Need to Know
When Caring for a Senior Loved One
In its Caregiving in the
U.S. report, AARP estimates that 39.8 million family members provided unpaid
care to an adult in 2014 and 2015. And, the Centers for Disease Control reports
that over half (53%) of caregivers indicated that a decline in their health
compromises their ability to provide care.
Caring for a senior loved
one is both rewarding and challenging. Family caregivers need to remember that
it’s important to take necessary breaks and practice self-care so they can
ensure that they continue to find joy in their role.
This can be particularly
important for those caring for a senior that has a severe illness. A study led by the Stanford Center on Longevity
and Stanford University Psychology Department, which was conducted with
assistance from Comfort Keepers and Clear Care, found that for older family
caregivers:
·
Caring for a loved one with a mild illness generally leaves them
in the same emotional state as their peers – with emotional well-being
generally greater than that of younger adults.
·
When responsible for a loved one with a severe illness, reported
emotional well-being tended to be lower than those of their peers.
·
The cause of a decrease in emotional well-being is attributed to
caregiver’s inability to pursue their social goals and friendships.
The purpose of this study
was to help identify the unique challenges and stressors that family caregivers
face. As a partner in this research study, we reached out to the family members
and decision-makers of approximately 2,000 Comfort Keepers clients.
These results suggest that older people have higher emotional well-being than younger people but not when they have a relative with a severe illness. Not all older people with ailing relatives have low well-being; rather, it depends on the severity of the relative's ailment.
Caring for a senior loved
one can be fulfilling and can strengthen bonds within a family. But it’s
important to recognize that being a family caregiver can come with feelings of
loss, stress and physical strain. Caregivers risk their own health and wellbeing
when they don’t account for their own needs or take a break when necessary, and
respite care provides a convenient solution for many families.
Comfort Keepers® Can
Help
Trusting your loved one with someone else can be difficult, but with Comfort Keepers®, you can trust that he or she will be in capable hands. Our specially trained caregivers will stay with your loved one while you take care of yourself, for as much or as little time as you need. And, every client receives a custom care plan that aims to engage them in intellectual, physical and emotional exercises and activities. To learn more about our uplifting in-home and respite services, contact your nearest Comfort Keepers® office today.
References
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. “Caregiving for Family and Friends – A Public Health
Issue.” Web. 2019.
AARP. “Caregiving in the
U.S., 2015 Report.” Web. 2015.
Family Caregiver
Alliance. “Policy and Advocacy.” Web.
Alzheimer’s Association.
“Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center: Respite Care.” Web. 2017
Stanford Center on
Longevity. “Age and Emotional Well-Being: The Varied Emotional Experience of
Family Caregivers” by Sarah Raposo, Jessica Barnes, Tamara Sims, Amy
Yotopoulos, Lara Carstensen, Mary Bowman, Jacquelyn Kung. Web. 2017. Read more
about the study here. https://www.comfortkeepers.com/family-caregiver-study
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Local Services By This Author
Comfort Keepers
Respite Care 514 28 1/4 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81506With the use of CareLink MobileHelp, Comfort Keepers provides a simple solution to many accidents and medical emergencies. CareLink MobileHelp is a medicalalert system that works nationwide, beyond the home with all the same features as traditional in-home systems. CareLink MobileHelp keeps you connected to a live monitoring center regardless of your location. You can have the freedom to continue participating in the activities that you enjoy in and outside your home, knowing that you are always accompanied by a highly efficient medical alert system.
Comfort Keepers
Non-Medical 514 28 1/4 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81501Why choose Comfort Keepers? Quick response to your needs, we answer our phone 24/7 by a staff member, national and current background check, personality and competency testing, on- going education, nurse oversight, telephony system that let us know your caregiver has arrived are just a few things we are invested in to provide you with the peace of mind that your loved one is well cared for. NEW!! Services to disabled Uranium miners, millers and haulers at no out of pocket cost. Medication management, Electronic monitoring and med dispensers are available.Comfort Keepers provides award-winning in-home care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities. 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