5 Ways Respite Care Can Improve Caregivers’ Physical Health
All adult children care deeply for their aging loved ones and they only want them to live out their golden years as comfortably and pain-free as possible. Though, caring for an elderly parent can be mentally and physically taxing, especially if you’re already working fulltime and have a spouse and children to care for as well.
It’s easy to get so wound up in your older loved one’s needs that you forget about your own needs and the needs of your spouse and children. This can put a huge strain, not only on the relationship with your older parent, but on the relationship with your own family. No breaks from caregiving can also have negative affects on your physical wellbeing.
This is why the team at Always Best Care recommends respite care for all family caregivers. Read on to learn about the 5 ways respite care can improve your physical health, or call (915) 250-0177 to speak directly to a caregiver coordinator near you.
Table of Contents
1. Respite Care Helps Improve Energy Levels
Having energy is paramount to proper caregiving. Without it, you will fail to meet the needs of your loved one and you also run the risk of injuring yourself either at your day job or while caring for your elderly parent. Respite care gives you the break you need so that you can catch up on rest and on restoring balance in your personal life. When you return to caregiving, you will feel much more energetic and less stressed out.
2. Reduces The Risk Of Injury And/Or Illness
No support and no breaks from caregiving causes primary caregivers to be overworked, overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed out. All these things will overtime lead to physical complications, such as raised blood pressure, insomnia, weight loss or gain, and a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system combined with high blood pressure and sleep deprivation leaves you extremely susceptible to illness. Chronic fatigue also raises the risk of work-related injuries. Taking a break from caregiving responsibilities will reduce these risks by allowing you time to relax and recharge.
3. More Time For Exercise
Time away from caregiving responsibilities gives you a chance to exercise and cook nutritious meals for you and your family. Regular exercise along with a nutritious diet will help you lose or maintain weight; it will also help restore your energy levels, improve mental clarity, and give you a feeling of well-being.
4. Avoid Burnout
The team at Always Best Care helps relieve the caregiving burdens from families in El Paso and in the surrounding areas. Our highly-qualified caregivers will help you avoid burnout by taking over your caregiving responsibilities for a given time, giving you a much-needed break.
5. Improve Sleep
It’s hard to care for a loved one who is declining cognitively or physically. It’s even harder to watch an older parent suffer, especially if you have enjoyed a close relationship with that parent. The stress of caregiving can weigh heavily on your mind, depriving you of sleep. Respite care will help you destress and declutter your mind by giving you a chance to focus on other people and things that matter in your life. A calm mind improves sleep.
Always Best Care is a leading provider of personalized caregiver support throughout El Paso, TX and all the surrounding areas, including the communities of:
- Vinton
- Anthony
- Prado Verde
- Westway
- Canutillo, and beyond
To learn more about how we’re helping family caregivers get the support they need through our respite care services:
- Call (915)-250-0177
