4 Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Whilst our focus at Swarthmore is always our residents, working with residents’ families is also an important part of delivering person-centred care. This is particularly the case when providing respite care for family caregivers who recognise how beneficial taking a break from the caring routine can be for both carer and their loved one.

More and more family caregivers are taking on caring responsibilities for their parents or grandparents when in they are in their late 40s or 50s. This means that many of them are still working full-time whilst also providing care. One in four older women, and one in eight older men are currently juggling work, family, and caring responsibilities.

Respite care means stepping away from your caring responsibilities for a period. There’s no question that caring for a family member is a hugely rewarding experience, but it is also challenging. It can also be stressful when you have multiple demands on your time. A respite break provides a time to recharge your batteries, knowing that your loved one is being cared for in a safe and supportive environment.

4 Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Many family caregivers are wary of taking time away from caring; they may feel guilty or worry that they’re evading familial responsibilities. Taking stock of the benefits of respite care, however, demonstrates the necessity of maintaining energy and wellbeing in order to continue in the role of caregiver.

A period of respite care provides caregivers with the opportunity to:

1. Let go of Stress and Pressure

It’s perfectly natural that, over time, stress and tension can build up even in the closest family relationships. In a caregiving situation, the person being cared for may feel uncomfortable at their loss of independence, and carers may get worn down by their new responsibilities alongside existing ones.

Deciding to take a respite break can benefit both parties. The person cared for will be able to spend time with people of a similar age, who will understand their concerns. Whilst the caregiver can focus on other members of the family, and spend some time relaxing with them, or taking a break from work altogether.

2. Apply some Self-Care

When you’re focused on the care of another, it’s easy to forget about the care you need for yourself. A period of respite care gives caregivers time to indulge in a spa break, spend time with friends, take some fitness classes, go swimming, or simply enjoy being in the garden, pottering about, with nowhere you need to be. Respite care not only removes to need to be the caregiver, it also guarantees that the care given in your absence to your loved one is of the very highest standard.

3. Reconnect with the World

Caregiving can be the equivalent of another full-time job, on top of the one you already have. You may find yourself working early in the morning, in the evening and at weekends. Whilst this is sustainable for a short while if it goes on for too long you can start to feel isolated, as if you’re carrying the burden of care alone.

A respite break gives you the much-needed opportunity to reconnect with people who love you and want to support you. They may even be able to offer help but have been unsure how to offer. Take time to lean on them for a while and accept any support they can give you.

4. Refresh their Relationship with their Loved One

Every relationship needs new experiences to refresh and revitalise it. It may be that the person you care from has suffered from their world shrinking to some extent. Time spent in a new environment, with fresh faces and a different routine, will open up that world once more and provide new perspectives on their situation.

Having spent time apart, you may find that your relationship is re-energised and refreshed. Regular breaks also maintain energy levels as there is always something on the horizon that is new, and potentially re-invigorating.

Respite Breaks at Swarthmore Residential Care Home

Respite care at Swarthmore is short-term care that includes the many benefits our long-term residents enjoy. These include our beautiful home and gardens, with professional carers to assist you whenever you need them. There are daily activities ranging from arts and crafts to poetry workshops, fitness and wellbeing sessions, and trips out and about. Our carers at Swarthmore work with residents to provide person-centered care, tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and goals.

About Swarthmore Care Home Our independent care home in Gerrards Cross has been delivering high-quality, compassionate care to respite and long-term residents for more than 70 years. Situated in beautiful and tranquil grounds, we’re just a short walk away from the town centre. All Swarthmore’s employees consider it a privilege to offer person-centered care to our 40 residents. We take pride in our friendly home-from-home, and we enjoy showing people around. If you’re considering respite care, do come and experience the special atmosphere at Swarthmore. Would you like to speak to someone at Swarthmore Residential Care Home about respite care? For an informal chat, or to arrange a visit, call us today on 01753 885663, Option 1.