How Respite Care Can Benefit Your Family This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for families to celebrate and create lasting memories. However, this time of year has its own set of tasks and responsibilities, particularly when it comes to providing care for an aging family member. As a result, what is supposed to be a cozy, pleasant season may sometimes become a busy and stressful one.

Planning and coordinating holiday gatherings and parties, hosting out-of-town family members, and completing all your holiday shopping is difficult for anyone, let alone a family caregiver. During the holiday season, respite care may be a helpful alternative for family caregivers.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care gives family caregivers a break to focus on their health and well-being while ensuring that their aging loved one is in capable and caring hands. This type of care supports the needs of your loved one, as well as the needs of family caregivers. This type of care intends to help family caregivers avoid feeling burnt out or drained from juggling too many responsibilities at home.

Reasons to Use Respite Care During the Holidays

Reduce Stress
While the holidays bring joy and happiness, they can also create stress. In addition to your regular responsibilities as a caregiver, you are finishing your holiday shopping list, decorating your home, and perhaps even preparing to welcome family members.

Using short-term care can help alleviate some of this stress. Your loved one will receive the attention they require, and you can put all your attention into preparing for the holidays.

Spend Time with Friends
Aside from your immediate family, you could receive invitations to holiday parties with coworkers, friends, or neighbors. However, being a family caregiver comes first. You may find yourself RSVP'ing "no" to these activities so that you may care for your loved one.

Respite care allows family caregivers to say "yes" by stepping in and giving needed care and support.

Care for Yourself
Due to the weather change and added stressors, your immune system may be affected. You will not be the best caregiver if you get sick. It's essential to take time for yourself, so your body can rest, but the busy holiday season and caring for your loved one may make it harder to find time for yourself.

You can find the time to do this with in-home care. You are free to take some time off and rest while your loved one receives all the services and attention from a caregiver.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

Family caregivers and their loved ones can benefit from in-home care services. These short-term Visting Angel caregiver visits enable family caregivers to take breaks from their caregiving responsibilities without affecting the standard of care provided to their loved ones.

Respite care is a good choice year-round, but it can be especially beneficial over the holiday season. Contact Visiting Angels of Bangor to learn more about our care services and how we can assist you and your loved one during the holiday season.