Being the primary carer of an elderly family member doesn't mean that you're by their side 24 hours per day. The level of required care is commensurate with their needs. Your family member may maintain a lifestyle of semi-independence, and your commitments as a carer reflect this. This differs from full-time care, where you may receive a carer's pension. And yet your family member relies upon your care to maintain their semi-independence, and therefore their quality of life. What happens when you need to take a break from caring?
Acceptable Risks
Even though your family member may go for extended periods by themselves, any associated risk is acceptable, as you'll be checking in with them again before long (which is likely to be the following day). You'll also be contactable around the clock in case of emergency. However, leaving your elderly family member without direct support for even a brief period can be unacceptable.
Respite Care
Contact a local home care agency and explain that you're looking for respite care. Respite, after all, is another term for a breather or a pause, and this indicates the nature of the service you're after. It doesn't matter why you need to take time away from your carer duties. You may be planning a holiday, have work or family commitments that impact your carer commitments, or may have your own health concerns that require adequate recuperation time. The precise reason is not especially relevant, but what is relevant is maintaining a high level of care for your family member.
Taking Over Your Duties
A respite care worker takes over your duties for a predetermined period of time. This involves all the responsibilities that you ordinarily handle, including assistance with shopping and household chores, self-care (bathing and dressing), and attending medical checkups and social activities. Anything you've been doing, the respite carer will do.
Meet and Greet
It can be advisable to arrange a meet and greet prior to your respite carer taking over. This allows your family member to meet and familiarise themselves with their carer. It's obviously crucial that they feel comfortable with the arrangement. The carer agency will undoubtedly ask you a series of questions about your family member and their needs, aiming to find a respite carer who's the best fit from the start.
Moving forward, you may enjoy the freedom that comes with sharing your carer responsibilities with someone else who is suitability qualified and may wish to take on a part-time carer for your family member on a permanent basis. For more information on home care, contact a professional near you.
