Caregivers have the perfect name — they’re always giving of their own time and energy for the benefit of a loved one. Caregivers not only take care of the patient. According to the Caregiver Action Network, more than 65 million Americans act as a caregiver for an older, disabled or chronically ill loved one, serving at least 20 hours per week.

Often a family caregiver is responsible for bathing, feeding and dressing a loved one, and while caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, it is also exhausting and stressful. Whether it’s providing help for an older parent, grandparent, spouse, or even a child, these caregivers often don’t have adequate time to manage their own lives. Caregivers report poor eating habits, missed doctor appointments and feelings of depression at higher rates, says Caregiver Action Network.

Burnout is, unfortunately, a reality that affects caregivers physically, emotionally and mentally. Offering care for a loved one is admirable, but you don’t have to do it alone.

In-home respite care provides caregivers the help they so greatly deserve. Although there are support groups and training that make giving much easier, hiring respite care is the most effective solution for reducing caregiver burnout.

Abby Services In-Home Care helps prevent burnout by offering these five benefits to both caregivers and their families.

In-home respite care provides help with daily tasks

Just as the name implies, respite care services provide rest or “respite” periods from daily responsibilities. Respite care is a partnership, allowing a family caregiver to share responsibility so that the burden is not theirs alone. In-home respite care can help with household chores, giving caregivers a much-needed break while allowing loved ones to stay in the safety and comfort of their own homes.

Increased quality time comes from respite care

Maybe the responsibilities of caring for your loved one is getting in the way of actually enjoying their company. Respite care lets you take a break from the caregiving relationship so that you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Respite caregivers can handle daily jobs allowing you to focus on talking, playing cards and taking walks instead of washing dishes, taking out the garbage and doing laundry.

Better trained care for short term or emergency respite care

While you try to do everything possible for your loved ones, in-home respite care services have the training and experience to respond to problems. These skilled caregivers can even perform emergency respite care if an urgent situation arises. If there are tasks you feel uncomfortable performing, including bathing and other personal grooming, in-home respite care can be the answer.

In-home respite care provides peace of mind

In-home respite care can be there even when you can’t be. These qualified professionals can prevent risks and make accommodations to ensure your loved one is safe. You benefit from knowing they are receiving personalized and compassionate attention in the convenience of their own home, even when you aren’t around.

Respite care can transition into regular in-home care

The personal needs you face today will not be the same tomorrow. Over time, care issues may become even more complicated. Trained caregivers can understand these needs and can provide greater insight and assistance as new issues arise. From around-the-clock services to emergency respite care, in-home care can step in when the time is right. Call Abby Services for a free in-home consultation.