7 Ways Respite Care Is a Great Solution for Elderly Parents

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Why Respite Care Is a Great Solution for Older Parents in Toronto, ON


One or two people cannot effectively offer a senior loved one the assistance he or she needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Respite care is an available alternative. Professional respite caregivers come into the home and provide high-quality care for the designated length of time needed. There are many benefits to considering respite care.

1. Promotes Aging at Home

According to Canadian statistics, the majority of adults over the age of 65 are living at home. Being able to remain in their homes has been shown to increase seniors’ longevity by enhancing emotional, mental, and physical health. However, when older adults develop dementia, have physical disabilities, or are recovering from injuries, they often need assistance. Along with care offered by family members, skilled respite care ensures aging adults can remain in their homes.

2. Rejuvenates Family Caregivers

Family caregivers need time away from their caregiving responsibilities to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate. By including respite caregivers in the network of caregivers, family members get a reprieve for a few hours, a day, a weekend, or longer. 

Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Toronto families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.

3. Offers Flexible Availability

Respite care agencies offer help on an as-needed basis. Skilled caregivers are on hand day or night, 7 days a week. Perhaps someone needs to stay with a senior while other family members are at work or school. With respite care, the family is able to rest assured they can engage in daily activities while knowing their loved one receives the necessary care.

4. Provides Learning Opportunities

Respite caregivers are trained and experienced in the types of care they provide. Family members new to the task of caregiving commonly learn tips and tricks from professionals in the field. The skills learned from a respite caregiver come in handy when needing to assist an older adult with position changes or when managing dementia behaviors. 

A trained professional respite caregiver can be an extremely valuable member of your caregiving team. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.

5. Allows for Flexible Visiting Hours

When an older adult has the opportunity to age in place with the assistance of a skilled caregiver, family members who live separately are able to visit when desired. Families aren’t confronted by the restrictions a long-term care facility has secondary to visiting hours, bathing, or other schedules.

6. Offers Companionship

Seniors who are living alone often become isolated and lonely, which may lead to the development of medical issues. They may be resistant to venturing out into the community if friends or loved ones aren’t in the immediate vicinity. Having a respite caregiver provides older adults with the chance to engage in one-on-one socialization while receiving the daily assistance they require.

7. Provides Different Levels of Care

Respite agencies offer clients the level of care their loved ones need. Caregivers might merely be required for companionship, while some seniors might need assistance with household chores or meal preparation.

Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated home care services, Toronto, ON, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (416) 488-8777 today.

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