It’s been said that “Every caregiver needs a caregiver.”
That makes perfect sense considering the high percentage of family caregivers who are at, or near, the point of suffering “caregiver burnout“. In a 2020 study on the state of caregiving in the U.S., AARP found that over 30% of family caregivers report high levels of emotional stress due to caring for an aging loved one, and just under 20% reported high levels of physical stress.
Physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion affects the health of both the caregiver and the person they’re caring for. Unfortunately, caregivers struggling with extreme fatigue or feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety often can’t provide the necessary support their loved one needs.
Creating Your Respite Care Plan
A respite care plan is something every caregiver needs, and it’s not hard to create. It simply requires assembling information that will help intermittent or temporary caregivers provide the same standard of care when you’re not available.
The key elements needed in your respite care plan are:
Medical information:
- A list of your loved one’s medications, including dosages and times they should be taken.
- A summary of their medical history, including details about their care team and care plan. It should include information needed in case emergency treatment is required (such as allergies to medications, blood type, etc.).
- Contact information for doctors who have prescribed medication for them.
Information on their daily routines:
- What time they go to sleep and wake up, and when they nap and eat.
- Medication schedules.
- Activities of daily living they need help with (hygiene, eating, walking, etc.).
- The times during the day they have more energy or need more rest.
A list of your loved one’s hobbies and favorite activities:
Your respite caregiver will make sure your loved one’s routine is maintained to help keep them feeling secure. They’ll be spending time with them doing the things your senior enjoys, including:
- Reading
- Doing puzzles
- Playing games
- Listening to music
- Watching movies
- Walking (if they’re mobile)
Emergency response plan:
- A list of emergency contacts, including name, relationship, phone number, and address.
- Phone numbers for nearby hospitals, emergency rooms, and urgent care centers.
- An evacuation plan in case of a severe weather event
Having a respite care plan in place will give you the confidence to take a break from caregiving when you need it. You’ll be able to go on vacation, recover from an illness, or just rest and recharge your batteries without unnecessary worry.
Respite Care For The Caregiver
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of “caregiver burnout,” please reach out to us immediately. Our respite care services will provide you with the break you need while one of our skilled, compassionate caregivers ensures your family member’s routine stays intact.
Whether you’d like us to be there a few hours a day, several days a week, or around the clock – we’re here for you. Give yourself the gift of respite care and recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Both you and your senior family member will be happy you did.
