Caregiving for a loved one comes with many demands on your mental and physical health. This responsibility can lead to overwhelming stress levels and even burnout. Being a good support to your elderly family and friends means taking care of yourself first and learning how to regain your energy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Signs of caregiver stress include anxiety, irritability, depression, and exhaustion, among other symptoms. The best way to combat caregiver burnout is by setting up appropriate respite care. Read on to find out how home care can help improve quality of life for yourself and your loved one.

What is Respite Care?

If caregiver stress is taking over your life, it’s time to learn more about the benefits of respite care. As the National Institute on Aging defines, “Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers.” You can’t relieve caregiver stress without the proper support and time to relax and regroup. Respite care allows you to schedule time to take care of yourself without worrying about your loved one.

Home Care vs. Assisted Living

Home care, assisted living, and nursing homes all offer forms of respite for primary caregivers. While they are similar in many ways, home care is still the only option for your loved one to remain in their home long term as they age. Assisted living and nursing homes require the elderly to move into a suite at a group retirement home away from their regular community and familiar neighborhood. Home care, on the other hand, allows seniors to remain secure in their home setting that they know and love.

Home Care Company vs. Private Caregivers

When it comes to setting up home care, you can either hire a private caregiver or a home care company. Finding a private caregiver who is trustworthy, friendly, and reliable is a difficult task. The last thing you need right now is more stress, which is why working with a home care company is often preferable. For instance, A Caring Hand has staff on call 24/7 as well as backup caregivers so that you will never have to worry about your loved one being left in a vulnerable situation. Home care companies should also be bonded, insured, and responsible for any incidents that may occur on a visit.

What to Ask a Home Care Company Before Hiring

Once you’ve decided to hire a home care company to combat your caregiver burnout, it’s important to ask the right questions to find the best agency for you. Try these three questions to start:

1. Are you insured and your caregivers bonded?
2. How do you match caregivers with clients?
3. Do you conduct background checks on your caregivers?

Conclusion

Protecting your own well-being while caring for a loved one is important and possible with the help of a home care company. Getting the support you need is crucial to curbing stress and burnout and promoting a healthy relationship between yourself and your elderly family member. For more information on any of these topics, call A Caring Hand at 208-342-3013 today!