Weekend Care for the Elderly

As a family caregiver, you work harder than just about anyone. More likely than not, you juggle your work life, your personal life, and your caregiving life all at once. And while providing care to your loved one is a rewarding experience, it’s natural to get burned out after so much time.

When that happens, don’t wait for the feeling to go away. It will only worsen with time. Instead, take your health into your own hands and research weekend care for the elderly.

What is weekend care?

Weekend elderly care, better known as respite care, is a short-term service that offers your loved one the support they need so you can get away for a few hours, or a few days, to refresh. Professional at-home caregivers can assist with any of the non-medical activities of daily living your loved one requires, including:

• Personal care: if your loved one struggles with bathing, toileting, dressing, and grooming, a respite caregiver can help.
• Medication reminders: between prescription medication and vitamins, it can be difficult to remember what to take, and when. Respite caregivers can keep up with your set-in-stone medication plan so your loved one never misses a dosage.
• Errands: whether your loved one can’t drive, or has mobility issues, they can leave any errands—like grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions—to their caregiver.
• Light housekeeping: chores are more physically exhausting than you may realize, especially for a senior. Caregivers can take care of light housekeeping and laundry.

But respite care is about more than the physical requirements. When gone for a period of time, you don’t have to worry about your loved one getting lonely. Caregivers act as companions for your loved one. They’ll gladly enjoy their favorite hobbies with them or simply lend them an ear.  In addition, respite caregivers can help your loved one keep their minds sharp by offering brain exercises and games.

Setting up a respite care service

It’s not exactly as easy as snapping your fingers to set up a respite care service, but it is a fairly simple process. Contact a home care agency to get started. An interview and assessment are conducted so the appropriate level of care and specialized care plan can be determined.

Due to this process, you cannot contact an agency and have a respite caregiver relieve you the next morning. However, you can make plans in advance—such as attending a friend’s party or going on a weekend getaway with your spouse—and not have to worry when the time comes.

Long-term home care options in Chicago

If you find your loved one enjoys their caregiver, and you enjoy knowing your loved one is properly cared for, consider longer-term assistance. If you live in the greater Chicago area, Home Care Powered by AUAF can help.

For nearly 30 years, our staff has helped seniors live a higher quality of life in the comfort of their homes. With diligent, passionate support, clients and their families feel truly supported every step of the way.

Alternatively, you can be paid for the work you already do. Through the IDoA’s Community Care Program, we train family caregivers in all the proper techniques and standards of care currently available. This way, you provide your loved one the best care possible while receiving compensation for said care.

If you’re curious about respite care, or our family caregiver program, call us at 773-274-9262. We would be happy to help.