Respite care can be an invaluable service to caregivers who need a break from their important duties of providing care to individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or special needs. Think of it as a break that provides them some downtime from their demanding responsibilities, allowing them the opportunity to recharge and tend to their own needs. Here are a few reasons to consider it.

Why Consider Respite Care?

1. Improve Your Own Well-Being

It’s easy for caregivers to experience burnout without even realizing that they’re burned out. However, being responsible for another person’s well-being can take a dramatic toll over time. It’s not just physically overwhelming but also emotionally exhausting — and the caregiving person often ends up neglecting their own needs in the process. Respite provides them with a chance to focus on what they need, whether it’s a massage at the spa, lunch with a friend, or even just a walk around the neighborhood.

2. Support the Care Recipient

Your own respite time can even help the person that you provide care for, as they’ll have an opportunity to interact and connect with another person for a while. Often, those social dynamics are slightly diluted for people who are unwell and aren’t able to do the activities that they once did. The person providing respite care can spend quality time with your loved one, doing anything from taking them for a walk to playing cards with them. They may feel just as rejuvenated as you, and that’s great for your own relationship with them.

3. Enjoy Peace of Mind

You can relax knowing that the person you care about so much is in the best possible hands outside of your own. Respite care providers are highly skilled professionals who understand the intricacies, delicacies, and complexities of working with people who have specific medical needs. This can give you incredible peace of mind, allowing you to breathe a sigh of relief and focus on doing whatever you have to do to feel your best.

If you or a loved one needs help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits, if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.