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Benefits of Respite Care for Older Adults and Caregivers

September 15, 2023

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Caring for a loved one and serving as their primary caregiver is a selfless act that requires love and bravery. However, it can also become draining over time, not just mentally or emotionally, but physically. 

As a result, caregiver burnout is commonly faced among those who care for someone with health issues, age-related concerns or cognitive decline. To combat this, self-care should be prioritized to create a healthy separation between your personal life and your caregiving duties. 

Throughout our Franciscan Communities in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, our respite care services provide personalized support similar to assisted living without the long-term commitment. Our team is sharing the benefits of utilizing these services for family caregivers – as well as the benefits respite care can offer older adults. 

How Can Respite Care Benefit Caregivers

Respite care provides short-term care and temporary relief for family caregivers. As a result, individuals can take a step back from their caregiving responsibilities with confidence, knowing their loved one is in a safe, supportive environment.

Rest and Relaxation for Caregivers

When caregivers neglect their own needs, whether they lack a support system to help with their caregiving duties or they feel guilty prioritizing themselves over their loved one, it can lead to unnecessary feelings of stress, burnout and sometimes resentment. In fact, one survey of informal or family caregivers found that almost 27% reported a need for respite.

For caregivers, respite care offers temporary support and allows them to have time to handle other tasks or responsibilities or simply enjoy a break. 

Peace of Mind

Many caregivers grapple with the idea of taking “unnecessary” time away from their caregiving responsibilities, be it a vacation, an evening with friends or time to oneself.

  • Who will step in as their caregiver?
  • What if something happens while they’re away? 
  • Will their loved one receive the same level of compassion and care that they provide?

Respite care offers peace of mind and assurance for caregivers that their loved one will be properly taken care of by compassionate professionals who will treat them with dignity and respect. 

What sets our respite care services apart is the support provided. Whether it’s meeting new friends at a community event or enjoying a fresh, delicious meal, your loved one will receive the highest quality of care and enjoy their time at one of our Franciscan Communities.

How Respite Care Benefits Older Adults

It’s no secret that respite care delivers the support and assistance that older adults need while family caregivers are unavailable, but it can also help older adults who are still deciding if moving to a senior living community is right for them. 

It’s difficult to know exactly what it’s like to live somewhere until you actually move there. Scrolling through website galleries and taking tours of a community is a great way to see what a community has to offer, but you never quite know what it’s like to be a resident until you are one. 

This is where respite care can help! 

Older adults utilizing respite care services have the chance to figuratively dip their toes into a community before finalizing their decision. This can include experiencing the supportive care services, dining options, community amenities and overall culture to help determine if the community is a place they see themselves calling home. 

At Franciscan Ministries, our respite care services can give your loved one an inside look at the unique culture we’ve created in each of our communities across Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. It is our senior living mission to reflect joyful living in all we do, as true joy is in the giving.

Respite care offers many benefits for family caregivers and older adults who are interested in transitioning into a senior living community. We invite you to visit our website or contact our team to learn more about our services and what we offer throughout our senior care communities.