Caring for an elderly loved one is a great honor. For many children and grandchildren of elderly individuals, it provides the opportunity to support the person who supported them their entire lives. It offers time and experiences together that perhaps were harder to experience in earlier years when everyone was so busy.

Caregiving is Hard Work

But being a caregiver isn’t all about sweet conversations over coffee and reminiscing while walking through the gardens. Being a caregiver can mean you have to make tough decisions for your loved one (such as no more driving or helping them eat better). It can be emotionally exhausting if you are the sole caregiver, and it can be physically exhausting if you’re trying to manage their home as well as your own. And while in many ways, you wouldn’t change a thing, you must find time to care for yourself so that you can continue to provide care for your loved one.

Even a Little Respite Care Helps

Respite care can come in several forms. You can have long-term respite care when your loved one goes somewhere so you can travel or someone can come to the home to provide respite care for your loved one while you’re away. You can have overnight respite care or you can have respite care providers come to the home and help with your loved one so you can escape for the morning or afternoon. When your caregiving involves having your loved one live in the home with you and if he needs constant care, even a few hours away can help you recharge your energy levels so that you can continue to care for your loved one.

Short and Sweet Respite Tips and Ideas

Three keys to making the most out of your respite time.

• Keep it focused on you. This can be hard for many, but keep it focused on what will refuel you. For some, spending time with friends or other family rebuilds their energy levels while for others, some solo time might be exactly what they need. Choose what is best for you.
• Do things you enjoy. Try not to use this time for chores or errands. Spend it on activities that bring you joy.
• Don’t overthink it. Just go and do it and enjoy however it turns out.

Six Respite Ideas That Are Under Four Hours

Need some help kickstarting ideas. Here are five easy respite ideas.

• Go to a movie. Get popcorn, and a giant soda, and escape into your favorite movie in a movie theater where the rest of the world is shut out.
• Create something. Do you have a hobby? Spend this time creating something you’ve had no time for recently. Maybe you like taking photos of flowers or painting landscapes. Gather up your tools of the trade, and get away and create to your heart’s content.
• Go walking outdoors. Fresh air and movement are both great ways to reduce stress levels.
• Read a book. Any book lover knows there’s nothing like finding a comfy spot and settling in with their favorite story for a few hours to forget about problems for a little while.
• Treat yourself! Is it a spa you’re craving? A fancy dinner at a local restaurant? A new set up nails? You deserve a little reward.

Taking this time for respite care will benefit both you and your loved one!

If you or an aging loved one are considering Respite Care in Mandeville, LA, please contact the caring staff at BrightCare Homecare today at (985) 224-0404 

BrightCare Homecare is a top provider of home care services in the Northshore areas including Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Hammond, Ponchatoula, Slidell, Lacombe, Abita Springs, Goodbee, St. Tammany Parish, and more.

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BrightCare Homecare

Caring and Compassionate Caregivers at BrightCare Homecare

BrightCare Homecare provides non-medical in-home care services to individuals facing disabilities, injuries, illnesses, or difficulties with mobility. We are composed of highly trained, competent, and compassionate staff members who are dedicated and experts in delivering home care services from the comfort of our client’s homes. BrightCare Homecare services are available to those residing in the surrounding areas of Lafayette and Mandeville, Louisiana.

Through a personalized care plan, BrightCare Homecare provides the necessary services and care to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help achieve optimum health and wellness.

We are a top provider of home care services in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Opelousas, Sunset, Crowley, Abbeville, Scott, Cecilia, Port Barre, Iota, and the surrounding areas.

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