For many adults, taking care of aging parents may not be something they “signed up” for, but they step in and take care of mom and dad because their parents took care of them when they needed it. Adults who find themselves in the “sandwich generation,” or that time when they are raising their own children, pursuing their own careers and caring for aging parents, also find that burnout may not be something they were prepared for or even knew was a possibility. At Baldwin House Senior Living in Michigan, we know how respite care prevents caregiver burnout, and that’s why we have respite apartments available.
Respite stays in a Baldwin House community can be for a couple of days, a weekend, a week or even longer. The length of respite stay varies based on the needs of the caregiver and many other factors.
Caregiver stats you may be unaware of because many caregivers operate in silos and aren’t even aware there are other adults taking on the caregiving role like they are:
According to a study conducted by AARP:
- Respite care provides much-needed breaks for full-time and part-time caregivers.
- More than 50 million adults in the United States are unpaid caregivers to an adult over the age of 50.
- Costs for respite care vary from $100 to $250 per day, depending on the area of the country, facility amenities and level of care required.
- Older adults benefit from respite care because they have the opportunity to meet new people, try out a new living situation and get involved in activities.
Caregiving is a wonderful way to take care of your aging loved ones, but if they’re suffering from dementia, illness or physical limitations, it can be difficult for someone who is not trained in caregiving. That being said, there are resources for those thrust into the role of caregiver that can help, and your loved ones’ physician or medical team can certainly provide insight and assistance.
No matter how prepared a caregiver is, caregiving can take a toll mentally and physically. Additionally, if the caregiver is still working or caring for their own children, they have to find a way to balance the care in addition to other roles within their lives. This is when respite is a blessing for the caregiver who needs to take time to rest, recharge and reconnect.
There are many causes of caregiver burnout, and they include:
- Trying to balance the role of caregiver along with other responsibilities in their lives.
- It can tax your physical and emotional health.
- Lack of time for self-care.
- It’s sometimes difficult for the parent and child to separate the role of caregiver as well as the role reversal that caregiving brings.
- Unreasonable demands are placed on the primary caregiver by other family members who may not be as involved.
- Unrealistic expectations from the caregiver around feeling the loved one they’re taking care of will be grateful for the care. In some cases, the role of caregiver may seem a thankless task and the person for whom you’re caring may simply not appreciate all that you’re doing, and that can lead to burnout and to guilt.
What are the signs of caregiver burnout?
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Overwhelming exhaustion
- Frustration
- Personal health problems
- Sleeplessness or insomnia
- Withdrawing from social activities because you’re so focused on caregiving
What’s a caregiver to do? Thankfully, there are communities like Baldwin House Senior Living in Michigan that understand the importance of respite stays. We understand caregivers simply need a break and knowing that their loved one is in a safe, secure facility that provides companionship, delicious meals and social activities gives them peace of mind.
How Respite Care Prevents Caregiver Burnout
- Take a break. Give a Baldwin House Senior Living community near you a call and ask us about our respite services and apartments.
- Ask for help. Whether you need to hire a professional or reach out to friends or family, it’s important that you don’t feel you have to do it alone.
- Look for local resources such as respite facilities or even adult daycare options.
- Join a support group as a way to let you know you’re not alone and to listen to others who are going through what you’re going through. Elder support groups like this are also ideal resources to help you find solutions to caregiving issues.
- Take a deep breath. Sometimes your loved ones simply won’t appreciate what you’re doing but remember they may be afraid of losing control of their lives and may be embarrassed that they can no longer fend for themselves.
- Make the most of the time with your loved one. Yes, you may need to feed, bathe and cook meals for your loved one, but make time to just have a conversation. Play some board games or card games, work on a puzzle together or even get out and take a walk or a car ride. The memories you build will be ones that will comfort you when your loved one is no longer with you.
Remember, reaching out to a Baldwin House Senior Living community to ask about respite is not a selfish act. Giving yourself and your loved one a respite stay is a gift for all involved.
Visit a Baldwin House Senior Living community near you and ask about our active adult living options and the activities we plan for our residents. Baldwin House Senior Living is built upon the strong foundation of guiding families and empowering seniors.
Baldwin House combines care with compassion and dignity. We offer families peace of mind and give seniors who call Baldwin House home the freedom to live their very best lives. Call us today to schedule a visit. We’d love to meet you or your loved one!
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