If you provide senior care for a family member, you cannot neglect yourself. Many caregivers feel guilty about wanting time for themselves, but self-care helps improve the quality of care they provide. If you frequently feel anxious about using respite care to enjoy a temporary reprieve, the following tips may help you make the most of your time off.

3 Tips for Caregivers Using Respite Care

1. Remember That It’s Okay to Address Your Needs

Guilty feelings are normal when you have been responsible for someone else’s needs, especially if they have mobility or cognitive issues.

To move past these feelings, keep in mind that taking care of yourself is just as essential. You have the right to enjoy yourself and take time off to spend quality time with your friends or family. Afterward, you’ll feel energized and ready to care for the senior.

2. Don’t Think About Responsibilities 

Give yourself permission to thoroughly enjoy your time off. Instead of thinking about your senior care duties, focus solely on your self-care activities, such as watching a movie with your partner or hiking a local trail with friends. Your “me time” is all about you.

3. Stay in Touch

Before bringing your loved one to the facility, have a conversation with the respite caregivers about your loved one’s health and wellness needs. Communicating with the professionals will help give you the peace of mind that all of the senior’s needs are met.

You can also keep in touch with your loved one to check in on how they feel. Let them know you will not be available 24/7, but that the caregivers at the facility will always be on-call to help them.

If you’re looking for respite care for your loved one, contact Red Oak Residence. Located in North Bend, WI, this senior care center offers short-term vacation stays in furnished, private suites. Your loved one will enjoy three daily meals and nutritious snacks, housekeeping services, and 24-hour attention from staff members. Call (425) 888-7108 today to get started or learn more about their vacation stay options online.