One of the biggest concerns of being a caregiver is, can we leave our loved ones alone?
In my opinion, taking a break for our own well-being is extremely important as caregivers. Taking care of parents can be a full-time job, but then it can take a toll on our own mental and physical health also.
I really wonder how our parents had the patience to bear our eccentricities for years that too without taking any breaks. When it comes to reciprocating the same care for our parents, we start talking about caregivers respite and requiring a break in life.
There are days, when as caregivers we need to take a break, probably that is why Respite Care came into existence.
The word Respite Care may sound American, but then, it is natural to get exhausted taking care of our parents.
Respite Care is extremely important for both the parties i.e. the person who needs care and the person who is giving care.
It is natural to put one’s hands up and say, I don’t care anymore, however it is those weaker moments that as caregivers we need support and help ourselves.
Being a strong advocate of Dementia and Alzheimer’s, I feel Respite Care is extremely important. If the caregivers don’t get respite then it may harm them and/or the person who needs care.
Pankaj Mehrotra