If you’re one of the tens of millions of Americans who are supporting an aging parent, grandparent, spouse, or other loved one, and you’ve been doing it for many years, you already understand the holidays can be overwhelming. It’s difficult enough to prepare for and enjoy the holidays when family is visiting or you have to travel somewhere across the country, but when you have an elderly person to look after, things become exponentially complicated.
In the past, you might have dismissed some other forms of elder care because you saw this as your responsibility. Or you simply believe that if you turn to elder care, it was more for permanent, long-term solutions, not something short-term.
However, assisted living is a great elder care choice for those families just like yours who may be looking at the pending holidays and wondering if there’s something better for not just you, but the senior who relies on you almost daily.
Isn’t assisted living a full-time commitment?
Assisted Living Citronelle, AL: Seniors and Holiday Care
Not all assisted living communities require an aging senior to commit to moving in and living there full-time right from the start. More and more are actually providing respite care services.
What is respite care?
It basically means a ‘break.’ The elderly person can get a ‘break’ from their family, their primary caregiver, because the stress and pressure on the relationship can become immense. And intense.
Respite care can also offer a short-term option for those family numbers and friends who just need some time to deal with other things, their job, their own families, and other responsibilities.
What kind of respite care might you consider for the holidays?
Begin your search now and find out if there is an assisted living facility in your area that offers respite care options. Some of them may provide short-term stays, like for several days in a week or for a couple of weeks at a time.
If they have the availability, the senior you support might be able to move in for a week or two over the holiday season. That way, you can travel and relax, enjoy yourself for a much-needed break. Remember, if you’re overwhelmed emotionally, mentally, and physically, you’re doing harm to yourself long-term.
And, if something happens to you, then who will take care of that senior depending on you right now? Respite is about taking some time for yourself.
Or, if you’re planning to be in the area, but want to focus on entertaining, spending quality time with people you haven’t seen in a while, the senior can stay at that facility and you can pick him or her up to come for a visit, drive them back in the late afternoon or evening hours, and know they are going to be safe.
No longer would you have to worry throughout the holidays, stress about being a caregiver first and a mother or father, friend, brother, sister, or other person second. You can be the person you always have been without that stress hanging over you.
About Cindy Johnson
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