Restoring Senior Health With Respite Care in Menomonee Falls
Being the primary caregiver for an elderly parent can be stressful and time-consuming. Around 4 in 10 caregivers find their responsibilities to be overwhelming. Finding the time to take care of yourself and recharge as someone's caregiver can be difficult.
Respite care in Menomonee Falls allows caregivers to take a much-needed break. They can focus on other responsibilities while knowing their loved one is cared for by experienced professionals. Respite care is also a great option for seniors recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery.
This blog will cover the basics of short-term senior housing and respite care in Menomonee Falls. We'll also discuss what scenarios might necessitate a senior entering one of these communities.
What Is Respite Care in Menomonee Falls?
Respite care provides caregivers with temporary relief from caring for their disabled, aging, or sick family member. Seniors can go into a senior living community and receive the support they need while their caregiver takes a break.
Many senior living communities also offer respite care for older adults recently hospitalized for senior injuries or illnesses. What's great about using respite care for this purpose is it helps seniors recuperate in a secure environment. It can help prevent complications that may lead to re-hospitalization and further medical support for seniors.
Examples of Respite Care Services
Seniors can take advantage of a community's amenities when they get respite care services. These services can cover a wide range of tasks and activities, including:
- Assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Meal preparation
- Participation in activities and events
- Socialization with other residents
- Medication management
- Dementia or Alzheimer's care
- Exercise classes
Who Needs Respite Care Services?
Respite care communities were created with the primary caregiver in mind. This service eases the pressure of taking care of an aging loved one. Primary caregivers may need a break for various reasons, such as:
- Temporary unavailability
- Feeling burnt out
- Recovering from an illness or injury
- Going on vacation
- Attending a work trip
Taking regular breaks throughout your caregiver journey allows you to give better care to your loved ones.
Seniors who are looking for social engagement can also pursue respite care services. They may not need a long-term stay but can benefit from being around their peers for a short time. As we mentioned before, seniors recovering from a hospital stay and who need temporary assistance before going home can move into a respite care community.
What Are the Benefits of Respite Care?
Caregivers and their loved ones can both experience numerous respite care benefits. Let's discuss some of the most common ones.
Socialization for Seniors
Many seniors deal with isolation and loneliness. It can become more challenging for them to make connections with others around their age.
Being in a respite care community allows seniors to make friends with their peers. Caregivers can spend time with their friends and families while their loved ones socialize with others in a community.
Guilt-Free Time Off
Some caregivers feel guilty about needing to take time off. They believe that their loved ones won't receive the same level of care if they're not the ones caring for them. While this is an understandable feeling, it can unfortunately lead to burnout.
Working with a high-quality respite care community can help caregivers cope with their guilt. They'll feel more comfortable taking time off when they know their loved one is in a caring community with experienced staff.
Support for Mental Health
Taking care of others can be mentally taxing. Caregivers can take the time to attend to their mental health during their breaks. They can achieve this through some of the following things:
- Change of scenery
- Relaxation
- Self-care
Dealing With Respite Care Obstacles
It may seem obvious to yourself and others that you need to take a break from caregiving. Even with that in mind, asking for and seeking out that help can be challenging. Handing over the responsibility to another party to care for your loved one can be a daunting task.
Accept That Other's Care Is Different
No one else will offer your loved one the same level of care that you do - and that's okay. Even if you're the best person to care for your loved one, that's still no excuse not to look for respite care. Finding the best alternative can put your mind at ease.
Taking time apart can strengthen your relationship with your loved one. They'll come back into your care after you've had the time to rest and feel refreshed.
Get a Fresh Pair of Eyes
Many caregivers have accepted their roles without any formal or medical training. It's not reasonable to accept that you'd be an expert in caregiving for an older adult.
Connecting with trained professionals who provide senior care services can provide you with a fresh pair of eyes. They may offer tips on how to deal with certain caregiving tasks. Their guidance could make your and your loved one's lives easier.
How to Find a Respite Care Community
Deciding which respite care community is best for you depends on various factors. Take the time to research multiple options and schedule a tour at each.
Get Recommendations
Ask your friends and family members if they've ever sought respite care services. Their connections and recommendations may help you create a short list of potential communities.
Do Your Research
We recommend meeting with each community over the phone and in person. Come prepared with a list of questions, such as what types of services they offer and what the apartment units look like. This information will help you determine the best option for your loved one.
Learn More About Our Comprehensive Respite Care Community
If you're a primary caregiver to a loved one, you don't need to feel guilty about taking time off to care for yourself. Finding a high-quality respite care community ensures that your loved one will receive exceptional care and attention. Take the time to rest, recharge, and continue caring for your loved one.
If you're looking for professional respite care in Menomonee Falls, look no further than Lakehouse Menomonee. Our highly-trained staff members will create a tailored respite care plan that includes senior rehabilitation, activities, and more. Contact our office to book a tour of our senior living community.