What is respite care?


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If you provide in-home senior care for an elderly parent or loved one, you probably know what it feels like to need a break. Caregiving can be frustrating, difficult and at times emotionally exhausting, and taking some time off is often important for the caregiver’s health. Respite care is a great way for caregivers to get the break they need. Here’s what you need to know about the basics of respite care: 

What is respite care?
Respite care provides short-term breaks for any caregivers, including those that provide care for seniors. From offering simple companionship to assisting with personal tasks like bathing and grooming, respite care providers can help seniors with a variety of different needs, either in their own homes or in a facility. Caregivers often use respite care providers when traveling, but they also use them to provide assistance with specific tasks they may not be able to provide themselves, like running errands for instance. 

Why use respite care?
Long-term caregivers, whether professional or not, work hard physically, mentally and emotionally. Because of the nature of the job, many caregivers often become burned out, stressed or depressed, which can make it difficult, if not impossible, to continue to provide excellent care to someone else. Respite care is a way for caregivers to get a much-needed break from their day-to-day responsibilities.