Full time caring for a loved one who has dementia can, if you’re not careful, result in caregiver burnout. Being responsible for someone with dementia day in and day out takes a lot of energy and patience, which takes its toll emotionally and mentally. All caregivers need a mental health break from time to time, which is why incorporating dementia day care into your care plan is so vital. But what happens when you need a proper holiday that requires short-term care for your loved one?
Many caregivers hold out on taking vacations for many reasons, such as guilt or feeling that the idea of a holiday is frivolous compared to the responsibilities of caring for their loved one with dementia. It might also be that they do not have or know of an adequate solution for respite care while they’re away. However, taking some time off actually allows the caregiver to decompress and come back stronger and more capable to handle the challenges of caregiving. It needs to be acknowledged that while the mental wellbeing of the person with dementia is paramount, the caregiver’s mental health is just as important.
As for adequate respite or holiday care for someone with dementia, there are options. One of which is Livewell Estate’s special respite care programme.
Livewell Estates provides long-term, live-in care facilities
Livewell has developed a special programme designed to enable caregivers to take a much-needed break where they don’t have to worry whether their loved one is being properly taken care of. We’ve identified that there wasn’t enough support out there for families who were taking care of loved ones with dementia.
“Caring for a person with dementia can be extremely demanding,” notes Gerhard van der Vyver, Family Advisor of Livewell. “The aim of respite care is to provide some relief for carers, and support them in having a break from their caring responsibilities, to look after their own health and wellbeing.”
“Unfortunately, many caregivers don’t even realise that respite care is an option. They push themselves to the point of actual illness before someone tells them that they can get help. As a primary caregiver, you know very well that your loved one depends on you. But they can’t depend on someone who is not caring for themselves as well,” he observes.
Holiday care options at Livewell for people with dementia
Respite care offers benefits to both the caregiver and the loved one with dementia while providing the opportunity for a well-deserved break even if they aren’t going anywhere. A break from the responsibilities of care means the caregiver can rejuvenate, spend time with their family and just focus on their own mental health.
For the loved one, Livewell offers people with dementia the opportunity to be well taken care of and to participate in activities in a safe and stimulating environment.
What our special respite care programme offers:
- A daily activity programme with many activities and exercises to choose from.
- Support services for people with dementia and their families.
- Nutritious meals and snacks.
- Medical and health services, if required.
- Social interaction and stimulation.
- The perfect solution for caregivers with daytime commitments.
- Safe environment with free movement.
All necessary precautionary measures have been put in place for all our residents. Terms and Conditions for respite care may be adjusted due to COVID-19 and the nationwide lockdown levels. For more information about your dementia care options please email [email protected].