7 Ways Respite Care Can Help During the Summer Holidays
The summer months represent a time when many family carers experience challenges they don’t have throughout the rest of the year. Between the summer heat and trying to juggle other responsibilities such as your kids or seasonal work, you need to consider these seven ways hiring respite care can help you get everything done.
1. Encourage Your Loved One to Socialise
The summer months can be lonely for seniors as they watch the people they love get busy with other activities. Help your loved one avoid feeling lonely during these months by hiring a respite carer to take him or her out to socialise. Whether they go to the local pool or enjoy a picnic, your loved one will benefit from getting out in the world and spending time with other people.
2. Give Your Loved One Help with Exercise
Your loved one may also find that the warmer weather motivates him or her to exercise. However, you may also have concerns about dehydration and injuries if your loved one tries to work out alone. Having another carer help your loved one with exercise gives you peace of mind when you cannot be there yourself.
Sydney East home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional carers can help your ageing loved one continue to live independently.
3. Plan a Family Trip
While your loved one is a cherished member of the family, he or she may not be able to accompany the rest of you on family trips due to a serious health condition. In these instances, a respite carer can step in and take care of your loved one while you’re away. The best part about this arrangement is that your loved one will look forward to spending more time with a carer who brings a fresh perspective to each day until you get back.
4. Take Care of Your Kids
With your kids out of school, you may now be juggling their care as well as your loved one’s. Respite care can help you make sure your kids get to their summer activities while your parent is kept safe. As you arrange this option, keep in mind that respite care can be arranged for a few hours a day or just a day or two a week, so you can create a custom schedule that helps you take care of everyone’s needs.
When researching agencies that provide home care, Sydney families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained carers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caring duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance.
5. Keep Up with Your Own Health
The summer heat can sometimes bring on new health concerns or exacerbate old ones. If it has been a while since your last physical, it’s time to go in for a checkup. Remember that taking care of yourself helps you continue to care for your loved one.
6. Manage Increased Household Demands
Summer also brings extra household responsibilities that interfere with normal routines. Whether you need to mow the lawn or clean up after the kids more often, having a respite carer on hand can help you manage it all without feeling stressed.
7. Take the Opportunity to Refresh Your Mindset
Out of all of the reasons you need to hire a respite care service over the summer holidays, just having the opportunity to relax is one of the most important. Although it may seem self-indulgent to read a paperback by the pool or go for a haircut, these things are important for helping you maintain a positive attitude during your regular days as a carer.
Summer brings additional duties for many people, including family carers. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family carers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Sydney East families rely on our carers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at [hca_phone] today.
