home care St. Louis

Despite being profoundly rewarding and fulfilling, providing care for an elderly loved one also encompasses a number of challenges that can lead to serious health concerns for family caregivers. And though it’s typical for family members to put their own needs on the back burner to focus fully on the needs of their loved one, it’s extremely important for caregivers to understand that they can actually provide better care when they are well rested and in optimum health themselves. If not, you could become overwhelmed with caregiving tasks.

Setting aside time for self-care can be a struggle as well. After all, your loved one depends on you, and you have grown to understand all of the little intricacies that make each day run efficiently – how she likes her coffee prepared, her hair fixed, the details of her afternoon routine. It’s more efficient sometimes to just deal with everything yourself than to entrust another person with it all. Nevertheless, realistically, we all need a helping hand every once in awhile, and this is especially true for caregivers, who are susceptible to the increased stress that can result in caregiver burnout.

At Compassionate Nursing Services,  our care team receives calls from family members all the time who are hesitant to accept assistance, but are in dire need of a trusted partner in care. If this describes you, take into account the benefits of professional respite care – both to yourself and to your senior loved one.

Respite Care Benefits for Caregivers

Professional respite caregivers, like those at Compassionate Nursing Services, are fully trained and experienced in a wide range of senior care needs, including specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions. Our caregivers never come in and “take over,” but devote time to listen and get acquainted with each senior in order to provide highly customized care to meet each person’s unique needs.

As a result, family members have the chance to relax and replenish themselves with enjoyable hobbies and interests, exercise, time spent with friends, errand-running and tending to their own needs, all while being assured their senior loved one is receiving the very best of care.

Respite Care Benefits for Seniors

And the positive aspects aren’t just for the caregiver herself! Seniors gain the opportunity for enhanced socialization as they spend time with a new companion with whom they can share life stories, participate in fun activities, play cards and games, learn a new skill, go out shopping or to lunch – the possibilities are unlimited. Respite caregivers can also cook meals, help with household chores and laundry, and assist with personal care needs like bathing and getting dressed – tasks that are sometimes more comfortable for seniors when performed by a professional caregiver.

The older adult receives a twofold gift: a more relaxed family caregiver, and relief in knowing that the caregiver is taking care of herself – something that is so important to many older individuals who may experience feelings of guilt about their need for care.

If you’re becoming overwhelmed with caregiving and would like to learn more about our professional respite care and elderly care in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, contact us any time at 314-432-4312. We’re available for as much or as little assistance as needed – both for your aging loved one, and yourself.