Caring for aging family members at home is something that most family caregivers find incredibly rewarding. That doesn’t mean, however, that they don’t see and feel the challenges that come with being a family caregiver. Long-term caregiving responsibilities definitely take a toll on family caregivers, and that’s something they can’t ignore. Getting help from home care services to take respite time more often is something that family caregivers need to add to their routines.

Understanding Respite Time

Respite time involves short breaks and periods of relief for family caregivers. This time is an opportunity for family caregivers to rest, take care of other tasks, and do a variety of other things. The reason that most family caregivers avoid respite time is usually because they don’t want to leave their aging family members alone. Elder care services can take care of this problem by spending time with seniors while family caregivers step away for a bit.

Preventing Caregiver Burnout

Respite time is essential for helping family caregivers to avoid burning out. When family caregivers aren’t taking time away, the overwhelm just continues to grow. Respite time allows family caregivers the chance to recharge themselves and take a step back, even just for a few hours a week.

Keeping Caregivers Healthier

One reason to embrace respite time and to make it a regular part of the routine is the impact it has on family caregivers. When family caregivers take the time they need to rest and to focus on activities that can preserve their own well-being, they’re more likely to be healthier. Family caregivers can’t afford to ignore their own health needs for long before it has an impact on them and affects their ability to take care of anyone else.

Enhancing Family Relationships

When family caregivers feel like they have some space, it helps them to have a better experience with caregiving overall. Respite allows family caregivers a chance to gain a sense of balance and build better relationships with the seniors they’re caring for. Taking time away gives seniors a chance to trust themselves, too, as they build relationships with other people.

Supporting Independence

As seniors and family caregivers gain more experience with respite time, that gives seniors a chance to practice being more independent. Seniors build relationships with people beyond family members and friends, remembering the various ways that they can engage in other activities and pursue hobbies that are interesting to them. That helps them to remember what it’s like to be a whole person, rather than someone who needs help on a daily basis.

Making Time for Respite

Ultimately, what’s important is that family caregivers remember to make time for respite. It’s all too easy for forget about it and to let that time away slip through the cracks. Engaging the help of home care providers to stop by on a regular basis makes it a part of the routine, which helps everyone involved to have the best experience.

Respite time is an essential part of the caregiving journey, but it gets ignored all too often. Home care providers can take over for family caregivers, letting them take the time they need to recover and rest.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Duluth, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.

We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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