By Celtic Healthcare
 
 

This Year’s Respite Resolution

At this point, you’ve probably heard enough about New Year’s resolutions. As a caretaker of someone who is ill, injured or frail, you are already giving most of yourself – your time, energy, and perhaps resources – to ensuring that your loved one is healthy and well cared for. Any additional resolution (also known as responsibility or commitment) may seem like too much to bear.

No need to worry. The resolution that we are talking about refers to rest, time for you and sharing the responsibility of caretaking. The best part? Your loved one is still cared for. It might be time that you make a ‘respite resolution’ for yourself.

What is respite? Merriam-Webster defines respite as “an interval of rest or relief.” Fortunately for caregivers, there are many ways to receive respite care for themselves.

First of all, don’t be afraid to share the responsibility of caregiving with other family members. Many times, primary caregivers neglect their own needs to care for their loved ones. They are likely to turn down offers of help, so as not to ‘bother’ anyone else. They become accustomed to their way of caregiving and don’t want to give the responsibility to someone else.

If you are falling into this category, it’s time to reevaluate. Effective, sustainable caregiving depends on meeting the caregiver's own needs for nurture, reassurance, support and periodic respite. It’s essential to take time for yourself, so you can provide the best possible care when it’s your turn. Think of it as parenting.
Remember, caregivers are at increased risk of depression and other symptoms of distress. Burnout can also occur when the caregiver receives little or no breaks. The symptoms of burnout are very similar to those of depression. In fact, burnout often coincides with depression and vice versa.

Be aware of your emotions and physical state. If you are regularly experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be at high risk for burnout:

  • Persistent symptoms of depression

  • Constant anxiety, irritability or anger

  • Feelings of detachment, numbness or exhaustion

  • Continuous self-criticism

  • Withdrawal from usual activities

  • Negligence or hatred of caregiving responsibilities

  • Trouble at work or in relationships

  • Substance abuse

A ‘respite resolution’ will enable you to balance your needs and those of your dependent loved one. Having respite care come directly to your home is an added benefit which does not disrupt your loved one’s routine.

By adding regular respite care to your caretaking duties, you will have the opportunity to accomplish one or more of the suggestions below to keep some of your focus on YOU:

  • Schedule regular afternoons or evenings out.

  • Exercise regularly. Join a gym or find a walking partner.

  • Join a support group.

  • Plan a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

  • Pamper yourself with a trip to the hair salon or the spa.

Celtic Healthcare, a leading regional home healthcare, hospice and rehabilitation services provider, not only cares for the ill and injured. Celtic Healthcare provides private pay respite care, as well as respite care for family members of hospice patients.

Celtic Healthcare is here to provide you with the respite you need, so that you can provide the care that they need. For more information, please call 1-800-355-8894 or visit www.celtichealthcare.com.