Respite caregivers assist older adults with several tasks. These caregivers can show up for an hour while you go to the spa, or you can book them for a few weeks while you take a vacation. However, it can be difficult to decide when to call for assistance. If you notice one or more of the following signs, it may be best to hire a professional caregiver and get some downtime.
1. You Become Forgetful
Have you recently been forgetting your senior loved one’s appointments or mixing up medications? It’s important not to dismiss these signs as a momentary bit of absentmindedness. Repeated bouts of forgetfulness may indicate your brain is getting overwhelmed.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Edmonton Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
2. You Experience Constant Exhaustion
You may constantly feel tired or keep dozing off when your loved one needs supervision. If the tiredness is due to taking care of an elderly parent, hiring a respite caregiver can help you catch up on your sleep. In case of chronic fatigue or excessive weariness, it’s best to take a longer break to recharge.
3. You Grow Impatient
In the weeks leading up to burnout, many caregivers constantly feel impatient with their loved ones. You may try to rush your loved one through the morning routine or tell him or her to hurry up with a meal. Having a respite caregiver can help you to take a step back and regain your patience.
If you are the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality senior home care, Edmonton Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
4. You Develop Apathy
Not all caregivers get irritable as burnout sets in. Many experience apathy instead. Apathy could cause you to stop caring about things, including taking care of your loved one and yourself. You may also lack enthusiasm and excitement for your own passions and become susceptible to depression.
5. You Are Always Irritated
Do you find yourself constantly snapping at people about the smallest things? Even if you’re never rude with your loved one, you may lash out at relatives, friends, cashiers, waiters, or strangers. Rising levels of irritability are a sign you need some time to yourself.
6. You Don’t Socialize Anymore
Your friends can help you prevent caregiver burnout by providing support and love. It may be difficult to see your friends when you’re always busy with your loved one, but it’s necessary to actively make time for them. If you’ve missed the past several dinners, game nights, birthday celebrations, or other special events, call a respite caregiver to help you find time for your friends.
If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Edmonton, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your elderly parent, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.