It is easy to feel overwhelmed when looking after and supporting another adult. Whether this is a disabled adult child or an aging parent, the stress doesn’t diminish or change. It might be different when supporting somebody younger than you, but in the end, it is going to get the best of you in time.
Maybe you never realized it before, but assisted living could be the answer you’re looking for. Sure, you may not consider assisted living an option because you see this as your personal responsibility, your job. If you even mentioned assisted living to this aging parent or other loved one, what would they think?
There’s only so much a person can take.
You are human. You have limitations. If you don’t address the caregiver stress you are enduring at this stage in your life, it’s only going to increase not just your frustrations, but the risk of serious health issues for yourself, and that is especially true if you’re average with regard to a family caregiver, which means you’re in your mid to late 40s or early 50s, female, and working to support yourself or raising children of your own.
You can’t think about it as though you are turning your back on this elderly person. You have been working day and night supporting them. You just need some time to recuperate, refresh, and destress.
There is a short-term option in some assisted living communities.
This is more commonly known as respite care. Respite care essentially means a short-term solution. This elderly person — whether it’s your mother, father, spouse, sibling, grandparent, or somebody else — can enjoy some of the benefits assisted living offers, but only for a short-term duration.
What types of short-term options are available?
You would have to contact a local assisted living community to find out specifically, but they may include: a few days a week, overnight stays where you would drop the senior off in the evening and pick him or her up in the morning, for one week, for a couple of weeks, or even for a month or two.
As noted, each assisted living facility is different and will have different availability so it is crucial that you check first to find out what actually is available at a community near you because discussing this with the senior.
Do seniors get to enjoy various activities with respite care?
Again, depending on the facility, a resident who is only there for respite care (or short-term) often has access to many of the same activities the other full-time, or permanent residents enjoy on a regular basis.
This may include arts and crafts, music, entertainment, fitness, gardening, and much more.
When you’re at the end of your rope, so to speak, because of caregiver stress, when it is negatively impacting your relationships, your career, and your health, it’s time to consider assisted living as a discussion point. Many seniors have the wrong idea about assisted living, and this is one of the best ways to convince him or her that it truly is a great option they should consider for their future.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in Edwardsville, IL, or surrounding areas, please contact the caring staff at Knollwood Retirement Community today at (618) 226-5755
Offering seniors age 65 and older a wealth of amenities to retain as much independence as they are able, with support, in a home-like environment in our supportive living community.
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