Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience but it can also be challenging over time. While looking after a family member can strengthen your relationship and create a closer bond, it can also become stressful.
Research suggests carers are prone to physical and mental health problems. Keeping a loved one safe 24/7 can soon take its toll on your own wellbeing, leaving you feeling worn out, frustrated and alone.
Respite care for family caregivers provides an opportunity to take a break from your duties. This has benefits for both the carer and the person requiring care.
What is respite care for caregivers?
Respite care means having a rest from caring, while the person you normally look after is placed in the responsible hands of someone else.
The practice lets caregivers take some much-needed time out. It stops you from becoming run-down and exhausted due to the great responsibility on your shoulders.
There are various options for respite care. A volunteer or paid carer can sit with the person you normally look after for a few hours at their home while you take a break. Alternatively, your loved one can attend a day care centre. It’s even possible for them to have a short stay in a care home, so you can take a holiday.
There are various caregivers’ support groups for help and advice, or your local council can provide information on what support is available in the area.
Carers’ health problems
The mental health of caregivers has come under the spotlight due to numerous studies showing that it’s a cause for concern.
More than five million people in the UK provide unpaid care for a loved one, according to a poll published in January 2023. The people requiring help include those with age-related problems, or with long-term health conditions.
Around 1.5 million people are providing unpaid care for more than 50 hours per week. The poll of 12,000 carers, both paid and unpaid, revealed one-third felt their own mental health was suffering significantly as a result.
Money was also an issue, with 25% having cut back on food because they couldn’t afford to buy as much. Feelings of loneliness affected 29% of carers who said they “always felt lonely”, while 40% had a poor work/life balance.
A massive 70% of carers said they had suffered clinical symptoms of depression at some point, with 57% reporting a “high level” of anxiety and stress.
While those who care for a family member need a helping hand, respite is just as important for those who work in care homes too. A report by the rehabilitation clinic Delamere suggests 56% of employees working in the health and social care sector suffer from high stress levels.
Benefits of respite care for caregivers
For both employees in care homes and those in domiciliary care or community care, some of the main challenges come from the amount of heavy lifting involved.
As well as emotional problems, caregivers are prone to physical health issues. Regularly lifting someone to help them bathe, dress and move around causes a lot of physical strain.
Whether it means relaxing at home, sleeping, catching up with friends, or taking a holiday, respite can help alleviate the physical and mental stress of being responsible for someone 24/7. It can also have a positive impact on the person requiring care.
They will benefit from living in a safe and supportive environment with dedicated care. For many patients, this can be a welcome change of scenery and a holiday away from the everyday routine.
Why do carers feel guilty?
Health experts say it’s common for carers to feel guilty, especially when it comes to organising respite care. You may feel you’re not doing enough for your loved one, or like you’re abandoning them by wanting to take a break.
It’s normal to feel you’re missing out on life when most of your time is spent caring for another person. Every caregiver thinks they’re letting their loved one down at some point by even having these thoughts.
Health experts say it’s important to deal with these emotions by acknowledging the guilt, rather than bottling it up. This makes it easier to deal with.
When considering respite care, look at the bigger picture and remind yourself you’re doing a great job. Remember the sacrifices you’re making. Realise it’s normal to feel guilt from time to time. There’s no shame in needing a break and taking some “me time” every once in a while.
The amount of respite you take can vary from person to person. It can depend on how you’re feeling at the time and the state of your loved one’s health. If you’re unsure what you need, social services can help by doing an assessment of you and the person you look after to determine how long a break you might require.
Finally, accept that you’re only human and you’re doing your best. If you’re feeling below par, you won’t be able to provide the best level of care, so it’s more beneficial for both of you to take advantage of respite care when needed.
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