It has been a year! From the uncertainty surrounding the initial outbreak of COVID-19 to the fluctuating social distancing mandates and shutdowns, it’s been a stressful past year. If you’re providing care for a senior loved one during this time, we tip our hats to you. Being a caregiver is stressful enough in normal circumstances – adding a global pandemic to the mix makes it even more physically, mentally and emotionally demanding.

Holidays may have looked different for your family this year too. Perhaps they involved more time confined together without being able to be out and about as much as you would have liked. If you do not have a back-up support person that allows you to take regular breaks from caregiving for your loved one, you may find yourself longing for some help.

Respite care provides caregivers with the opportunity for a temporary rest from their daily caregiving duties. Whether it’s short-term or 24/7 care needed for a vacation day or week, Landis at Home is here to help.

Here are the top five reasons you may be looking for respite care services:

Go to appointments – When you are coordinating the medical care of someone else, it can be easy to put your own medical needs aside and skip checkups. Just as you make sure your loved one attends his/her regular dental and doctor’s appointments, you also need to care for yourself and use preventative care. Balanced diets, adequate amounts of sleep and some form of exercise are important not only for who you are caring for, but also for you. Schedule time for YOU.
Social Engagement – Social isolation is a huge problem for caregivers. For your own mental health, it is vitally important to take a step back from your caregiving responsibilities and spend time with your social group. Engage with your friends and family – call your friend up to meet for lunch, take a shopping trip with your sister or do whatever gives you personal enjoyment. Connecting with others helps keep depression at bay and in the end, makes you a better caregiver for your loved one.
Renewal and Relaxation – It is important for caregivers to give their mind and body a break. By finding ways to take a mental break, such as going for a walk, meditation, a fitness class, listening to music or a podcast, you will start to relieve some of the stress that naturally builds up as a caregiver. Finding ways to relax and reflect will not only make you calmer and improve your mood, but it will also renew yourself and make you a better caregiver.
Personal Space – Getting away from the caregiving situation for even just a few hours a day can help you recharge and bring a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you just need a couple of hours a day to yourself or you could use a mini-vacation to escape your daily caregiving responsibilities for a chunk of time, personal space is a big reason to opt for respite care. Your loved one will be safe while you get some much-needed time away from caregiving responsibilities.
Just Because! – You don’t need to explain why you need a break to anyone – caregiving is mentally, emotionally and physically draining. No matter if you want to spend the day resting, doing your favorite hobby, or doing nothing at all, “just because” is a perfectly good reason to choose respite care. Asking for help is hard to do, but it is one of the most important steps for protecting your own well-being as a caregiver. Listen to your mind and body and be sure to ask for respite services when needed.

How Can We Help?

Here at Landis at Home, we believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity and respect in the comfort of their own home. Our licensed home care agency, based in Lititz, PA is here to help provide respite care for elderly within the Lancaster, PA region.

Landis at Home offers reliable in-home services, including respite care, memory support and companionship services in the privacy of your own home for as little as a few hours a day or for an extended time.

We would be happy to hear from you in regards to our respite services. We can be reached at (717) 509-5800 or via the contact form.