Family caregivers often have to tend to several tasks as soon as they wake up, and trying to get everything accomplished puts them at risk for burnout. Take a look at some of the warning signs you need to hire respite care to overcome common caregiving hurdles.
1. You Wake Up Exhausted
Ideally, you should feel rested after getting between six to eight hours of sleep each night. Waking up tired means you’re not getting adequate rest. Whether you wake up to care for your loved one at night or just can’t get enough sleep, taking a break to catch up on sleep can help you wake up refreshed.
Caring for older adults can be an exhausting job, especially if it’s managed alone. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality elder care, Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
2. You Experience a Major Injury
Caregivers are more likely to get hurt when they’re in a hurry or stressed out. All it takes is an injured back or slip-and-fall injury to make it difficult for you to do your chores. Getting injured every now and then is a warning sign you’re trying to do too much. Consider having someone come in to give you a break.
3. You Miss Your Social Life
While you may enjoy spending time with your loved one, you need to have a rich and varied social life that allows you to de-stress. Arrange for respite care so you can catch up with an old friend or go out with your spouse to lunch. Having an active social life can lift your spirits and help you prevent isolation and depression.
4. You Keep Making Mistakes
Making mistakes every now and then can lead to bigger issues that place your loved one’s health in jeopardy. For instance, being exhausted and overwhelmed could lead you to accidentally give your loved one the wrong medicine. Alternatively, you might overlook a new symptom that warrants an immediate trip to the doctor. With respite care, you can rely on a trusted professional to double-check things such as the medication schedule.
Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Barrie home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
5. You Feel Irritable All the Time
No one wants to feel irritable every day, and your attempts to keep your emotions bottled up inside may fail. Irritability is a sign you’re under too much stress, and your loved one may pick up on your anger, even if you don’t lash out. Taking a break allows you to get into a better mindset so the little things don’t bother you as much.
6. You Constantly Feel Like You’re Running Behind
Your busy schedule may interfere with your ability to feel a sense of accomplishment. When your to-do list is impossible to manage, a respite caregiver can give you the chance to tackle your other responsibilities. By hiring respite care, you can feel the satisfaction that comes from successfully checking things off of your list.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Barrie, Ontario, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call 647-970-3803 today.