Protecting Senior Health With Respite Care in Sheboygan, WI

One in five US adults are caregivers to family members or loved ones, providing an average of 24 hours of direct care per week. If you are one of them, you may be looking for respite care in Sheboygan, WI.

Respite care can provide caregivers with temporary relief from the emotionally and physically taxing demands of caring for an adult. It can also reduce the risk of caregiver burnout.

In this guide, you will learn more about respite care, its benefits, and the types of programs available. Plus, stick around until the end to learn where to find temporary senior care in Sheboygan.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is short-term caregiving provided to senior adults while their primary caregivers take a break. It is ideal for allowing caregivers time to travel, spend time with family and friends, or just rest and relax.

This service can help prevent caregiver burnout, which occurs when a caregiver becomes physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. Their ability to care for themselves and their loved ones may then suffer.

If left untreated, caregiver burnout may eventually result in physical and mental health symptoms. Anxiety, depression, and fatigue are common side effects of not seeking help for this condition.

Respite may also be required after a hospital stay. If your loved one is recovering from surgery, they may need more attentive and skilled services than you can offer. That's where a post-hospital senior care program comes in.

Benefits of Elderly Respite Services

Short-term care in Sheboygan can improve the relationship between caregivers and the loved ones they care for. That's because respite services enable caregiver relief as well as new social connections and improved outcomes for seniors.

Caregiver Relief

One of the most common barriers to caregivers reducing their risk of burnout is guilt. You may feel guilty about leaving your loved one in others' hands or worry about their health and safety while you're gone.

However, not taking time off can ultimately make these problems worse. You may end up with caregiver burnout, requiring you to take more time off for recovery than you would have if you'd taken advantage of respite care.

New Social Connections

Enrolling your loved one in a respite care program at an adult daycare center or senior living community will give them some much-needed socialization while you rest and re-energize.

Socializing is integral to our mental health and well-being. Researchers have even found that socialization can offer protective effects for the brain and cognition in older adults.

Improved Outcomes

Short-term breaks from caregiving are not just beneficial for caregivers. Respite care programs can also improve your loved one's mental health and strengthen their relationship with you.

Caregiving while you are depressed, anxious, or stressed can spill over into your relationship with your loved one. Taking time for yourself ensures this doesn't happen, so you can continue to provide loving, compassionate care.

Types of Temporary Senior Care

Caregivers can obtain respite care that lasts only a few hours or as long as several weeks. The length of the program may depend on the type of organization that provides it.

Here are some of the types of respite care programs caregivers can utilize.

Extended Family Care

Adult daycare, home health care, and senior living community respite care come at a cost. If you cannot afford these options, consider asking extended family members to lend a helping hand.

It can be hard to ask for help, especially from family. Some tips to make starting the conversation easier include defining when and how long you will need help and creating a list of daily tasks that must be completed.

Home Health Care

Home health care aides come to your or your loved one's home to assist with caregiving. They may be able to relieve you from caregiving for a few hours or even a full day, depending on the program you choose.

Caregivers can hire home healthcare aides for assistance even if they don't need respite care. These professionals are trained in measuring vitals, administering medications, and providing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

The one downside to a home health care respite service is that it does not provide opportunities for socialization with peers. This is also not the best option for caregivers needing a longer-term break from caregiving.

Adult Daycare

Adult daycare services provide a safe and caring environment for seniors to enjoy during the day. It is best for caregivers who work during the day, have an appointment, or just need a day off. It is not for caregivers looking for longer-term care services.

Adult daycare programs allow older adults to socialize with their peers. They also provide access to safe and supportive care services so caregivers don't have to worry about their loved ones as they go about their day.

Senior Living Community Respite Care

If you need several weeks of time off from caregiving, a respite care program at a senior living community near you is the best option. Many communities offer up to 30 days of temporary senior care.

Respite care in a senior living community is often the most comfortable and engaging choice for loved ones. Older adults enjoy the comforts of home in a private or shared appointment while getting ample opportunity to socialize with their peers.

Your loved one can also take advantage of the services offered to community residents. These services may include community outings, exercise programs, housekeeping services, transportation, and more.

Looking for Respite Care in Sheboygan, WI?

Respite care offers temporary relief from the demands of adult care. Taking advantage of these programs can offer you time to rest and rejuvenate so that you can offer your best self to your loved one.

Do you need a break from caregiving? Lakehouse Sheboygan offers expert respite care in Sheboygan, WI. Offer your loved one a mini vacation in our comfortable and accessible community staffed by a team of trained rehabilitation and caregiving professionals.