What Are the Biggest Advantages of Respite Care for Older Adults?

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Advantages of Respite Care for Older Adults in Portland, ME

Respite care isn’t just beneficial for family caregivers who need a break. Having a professional caregiver visit your aging parent at home also provides substantial benefits for your loved one’s physical and mental health. These are just a few of the many advantages your loved one can begin to enjoy when you arrange for respite care on a regular basis.

Eases Worries about Family Caregivers

Aging adults are often well aware of how their health conditions are affecting their families. Your loved one may enjoy having you around, but he or she may also worry about the stress you’re under each day. With respite care, your loved one gets to see you take regular breaks from your duties so you can do other things, such as pursue your hobbies, visit other family members, or go to the doctor. This provides your parent with a sense of security that you won’t get too overwhelmed to be able to continue in your role.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional elderly home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Minimizes the Risk of Common Accidents

Seniors who are left home alone when they’re dependent on others to watch out for their safety can get seriously injured in even a short time. Your loved one may get burned or cut his or her finger when trying to cook without assistance, or he or she might wander away from home or forget to turn off the stove without someone there to supervise. Arranging for respite care gives your loved one that extra layer of protection from injuries that could send him or her to the hospital.

Provides New Social Opportunities

Older adults benefit from having a variety of different people visit them regularly. A respite caregiver quickly becomes a new friend, and the visits can break up the monotony of your loved one’s regular routine. Respite care is especially helpful for giving seniors someone else to talk to when they’re bedbound or unable to leave the house for any length of time.

Introduces New Activities & Develops Abilities

A respite caregiver is also full of ideas for new ways your loved one can spend his or her time. For instance, the caregiver may introduce your loved one to a new genre of books or show him or her how to do a craft, such as knitting. Learning new things can keep your loved one’s brain healthy, and he or she will feel a renewed sense of self-confidence when mastering new skills and developing abilities. 

Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated homecare services, Portland, Maine, families can turn to Align Home Care. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

Offers Continuity of Care

Some family caregivers attempt to have other people help with their loved ones’ care when they need a break. However, this can sometimes create problems, since well-meaning neighbors and family members may do things differently or forget important parts of the routine by accident. Professional respite caregivers are trained to follow your instructions to the letter, and you can always trust that your loved one will get medication reminders on time and eat the meals you’ve planned when you’re away.

Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Portland, ME, Align Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Call (207) 835-3490 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.

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