Five Things Raleigh-Area Families Should Consider About Respite Care

If you are providing care for an older loved one, you are most likely familiar with feeling like you're on call around the clock. Having a loved one remain in their own home is a wonderful choice, but without the right support system, it may be a financial, emotional, and physical strain on families in Wake County, NC. Because of the increasing pressure to meet the changing demands of both your personal and professional life as well as those of your senior loved one, it is easy to put your own health on the back burner.

If you're a family caregiver, taking a break may seem impossible. It's crucial that you understand the benefits of hiring a professional respite care provider because of this.

With respite care, you can help your loved one stay at home safely and easily while you take time to focus on your own needs. However, if you've never needed to look for professional home care options before, you may not understand if it can be helpful in your circumstances. There are five questions you should ask yourself before deciding if respite care is the right solution for your loved one.

What Should Families in Raleigh, NC and Surrounding Areas Consider Before Getting Started with Respite Care?

There are many factors families in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and surrounding areas in Wake County should think about before arranging professional respite care. Here are five of the most important factors to take into account:

Does my loved one need help with walking, eating, and other basic tasks?

The aging process can make it more challenging for seniors to complete common everyday tasks on their own. Things that were once simple like using the stairs, getting in and out of bed, or making a quick snack may cause a lot of physical strain for older adults. If you've noticed your loved one is starting to have trouble with some of these tasks, it may be time to consider professional home care.

Is my loved one exercising enough?

Age-related issues not only make it difficult for seniors to complete common household tasks, but it can also make getting enough exercise more challenging. Although regular exercise can provide a variety of health benefits, if your loved one is struggling with mobility and balance issues, they may have a hard time sticking to a regular regimen. Having a professional caregiver accompany them while exercising and offering them encouragement can make it easier for them to get a proper amount of exercise.

Is my loved one getting enough mental stimulation?

Seniors are not only susceptible to age-related physical issues, but cognitive issues, as well. It's important for older adults to stay on top of their brain health because it can reduce the likelihood of developing anxiety, depression, dementia, and similar conditions. A professional caregiver can offer a variety of options for your loved one to get enough mental stimulation by encouraging them to play games that boost brain health, reading new and interesting books, or simply engaging in meaningful conversation.

Does my loved one need help taking medication?

Is your senior loved one currently on any medication? Many seniors take multiple medications in order to manage chronic conditions and health issues. However, your loved one may have trouble opening pill bottles, remembering to take their medication at the correct time (or the correct dosage), or getting to the pharmacy to pick up refills. Fortunately, respite care often includes medication reminders, transportation to the local pharmacy, and many other services that can help seniors take their medication properly.

Am I making enough time for myself?

As a family caregiver, you may feel capable enough to take care of your senior loved one's needs. However, if you're starting to feel exhausted or resentful of your loved one, you are probably starting to burn out. It's crucial for family caregivers to not only focus on caring for loved ones, but also make time for their own needs. However, if you don't have family members, friends, or neighbors who can take over caregiving duties, you may struggle to find the right time to relax and recharge. With professional respite care, you can have peace of mind knowing a professional caregiver will watch out for your loved one while you take a break and focus on other priorities in your life.

Why Choose Respite Care from Visiting Angels of Raleigh?

Visiting Angels of Raleigh provides professional respite care so you may take a break from caring for your loved one while they continue to get the assistance and support they need. Hiring a professional caregiver on a regular basis may be a lifesaver since they provide additional assistance for both you and your loved one.

Our home care services can benefit you and your loved one by:

Helping your loved one stay comfortable, safe, and happy while they age in place at home

Providing an opportunity to bond with an experienced and compassionate caregiver

Reducing the likelihood of elder abuse and neglect

Offering you time to relax and focus on other aspects of your life without worrying about caring for your loved one

Giving you time to recharge your batteries so you can continue providing the level of care your loved one needs

Unlike some other Raleigh-area home care agencies, the team at Visiting Angels will make a care plan just for you and your loved one based on their specific needs. In this way, our caregivers can help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), as well as grocery shopping and meal preparation, all without disrupting your loved one's regular routine. This also makes our home care services more affordable compared to other options in Wake County since you'll only be paying for the care your loved one actually needs.

When you choose Visiting Angels of Raleigh as your partner in senior care, an experienced caregiver will come to your loved one's house according to their preferences. You can schedule caregiver visits during the day, overnight, on the weekends, and even during the holidays. That way, your loved one can get the in-home care they need when they need it most.

Our care plans can also be adjusted over time. If your loved one needs more comprehensive, around-the-clock care, we offer options for long-term care, as well. This can be helpful if your loved one gradually develops advanced age-related issues or experiences a health issue that significantly impacts their ability to age in place, such as injuries from a fall.

With respite care from Visiting Angels of Raleigh, you can rest assured knowing your loved one is in capable hands.

Call our Raleigh, NC office at 919-787-4317 or fill out our form to learn more!