Making the decision to choose respite care is rarely straightforward. It’s natural to have complex emotions surrounding the future of an aging loved one, which can include feelings of guilt and concerns about abandonment. But what if opting for respite care was the best choice for both your loved one and yourself? Whilst keeping your loved one at home in their familiar surroundings may seem like the ‘right’ thing to do, it could lead to unintended consequences that affect everyone involved.
One of the most common risks of avoiding respite is caregiver burnout; a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that is usually paired with a negative change in outlook. A once driven, positive carer can quickly become negative and detached if they push themselves beyond their physical or financial means. Choosing respite can be the balanced solution that ensures your loved one has access to professional, attentive support while granting the carer the opportunity to recharge and maintain their own health and well-being.
Here are five signs that it may be time to consider respite care, ensuring everyone involved can enjoy the best possible quality of life:
1. Strained or increasingly deteriorating relationships
One of the most difficult realities to face when caring for an aging loved one is the strain and negativity it can place on relationships. Both sides of the equation can experience equal difficulties whether it’s feeling like a burden on your family or a sense of sacrificing everything in order to give care. If left to fester, such feelings can turn into painful misunderstandings and breakdowns in communication, causing even more stress during an already challenging time.
2. Increased Irritability and Anger
High levels of stress and fatigue can lead to irritability and anger, even towards the person you’re caring for. If you’re frequently feeling irritable or angry, it’s a sign that you’re overwhelmed and in need of a break. These emotions can harm your relationship with your loved one and affect the quality of care you provide.
Getting help for caregiver burnout through respite care can diffuse these negative emotions. Taking regular breaks can improve your patience and outlook, ultimately benefiting both you and your loved one.
3. Noticeable health decline
When considering respite care, the focus is usually placed on the person needing care. It is common to delay until the situation declines drastically and there is no other option left. However, it is just as important to give thought to the caregiver’s wellbeing, often pushing themselves to the brink. This self-neglect can have significant physical and emotional consequences. Typically, those giving care will ignore their own health and by doing so may experience a number of symptoms that negatively impact their own life.
If you’re experiencing any of the following it might be time to prioritise your own well-being and explore respite care options:
- Compromised immunity
- Changes in blood pressure
- Headaches
- Changes in weight
- Negative outlook on life
4. Physical and Emotional Overwhelm
How do you feel after a good night’s sleep? Still tired and struggling with your usual routine? There is a good chance it is chronic fatigue that is stopping you from being at your best, such exhaustion can be directly linked to the relentless nature of caring and, as mentioned previously, lead to health issues.
Emotionally, extremes of depression and anxiety are highly likely to develop; feelings of helplessness, melancholy and resentment are all commonly associated with being emotionally drained. Living in this state of emotional strain is not sustainable and can lead to much more heartache or more serious challenges over time, both for the caregiver and their loved one.
5. Separation from hobbies and interests
As previously mentioned, caregiving has a way of taking over. Socialising, pursuing hobbies or simply taking time for yourself to relax can very quickly take a back seat or in worst cases, disappear altogether. Letting go of the things you care about or enjoy can lead to the feelings of sacrifice, which may eventually lead to resentment.
If your social connections seem distant and you have no interest in your passions, you could be in danger of burnout. There is always a choice to make, although it can feel unkind or neglectful placing a loved one into care, it’s important to remember that there are several options available to achieve a healthy compromise.
Placing a loved one in care undeniably offers all sorts of benefits for their wellbeing, but one of the most overlooked advantages is the positive impact it can have on a caregiver. Imagine shifting from placing all of your energy to caregiving to rediscovering yourself on a much deeper level, whilst having a peace of mind that your loved one is in good hands?
Respite care is a vital support system that offers relief and is a powerful tool for burnout prevention. Making the choice to look after yourself will ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle that still includes your loved one, as well as everything else important to you. This balance can bring a sense of normality and relief during a difficult and emotionally challenging time.
Identifying the signs of caregiver burnout is essential for preserving your well-being and ensuring the quality of care you deliver. Respite care and managing caregiver burnout are closely connected, providing an effective way to prevent exhaustion. If you’re noticing any of the symptoms discussed, it could be the right time to begin exploring respite care. This choice benefits both you and your loved one, ensuring they continue to receive compassionate and focused care.
