Providing home care Mississauga seniors trust and rely on can sometimes become overwhelming, and you may need to take a break now and then to protect your own health. However, you may still need to secure assistance for your loved one for the times you are not around. Here are 4 ways to accomplish this and reduce your risk of burning out.
1. Notify the Person You Care For
Change can be uncomfortable, and it can be hard to get away for a break if the person you are caring for reacts negatively to a change in his or her care provider. Arrange specific and repeated break times to create a routine or tell your loved one ahead of time you’ll be away on a certain day or time. If asked why, refer to the things you would like to accomplish rather than making it sound as though he or she is a burden from which you need a break.
2. Reach Out to Friends and Family
Many family caregivers overlook this seemingly simple solution for fear of being a burden. Ask friends, family, church members, or neighbors to help you when they can. If you ask for help, you’ll be surprised how often you get it. Even if these people can’t provide the specialized care your loved one may need, they can save you a lot of time by helping with tasks like grocery shopping, meal preparation, and laundry.
3. Find an Adult Care Center
Sometimes called adult day care, these facilities provide appropriate but stimulating activities and give your loved one a chance to socialize with other seniors while you get some rest. This service can cost an average of C$40 to C$60 a day and allow you time to take a break.
4. Hire Respite Care
Respite caregivers are professionals who can take care of your loved one for you when you need some time to run errands or a few days off to enjoy a family vacation. They provide temporary care as needed and can be a huge help to tired family caregivers in need of a break. Your loved one’s doctor should be able to provide the names of reputable Mississauga respite care providers.
The right caregivers understand how important it is for a senior loved one to be safe and comfortable at all times. Respite care from Home Care Assistance is available 24/7 to allow you to take a break while we assist your loved one with his or her individual needs. We also offer Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and post-stroke care for Mississauga seniors who need specialized care. For more information on our senior care services, call one of our Care Managers at 905-337-1200 to schedule a free in-home consultation.