Being a caregiver can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It can also be stressful, demanding, and exhausting. Caregiving requires patience, compassion, and understanding as you manage the challenges and obstacles that come with caring for a loved one.
Managing a loved one’s medical or health conditions, on top of assisting them with bathing, eating, toileting, and dressing, all while taking care of housework and transportation is overwhelming. It becomes even more difficult when you have work and a family of your own to take care of.
Respite Care for Caregivers
If you are a caregiver, it’s common to feel guilt for wanting to take time for yourself. Caregiver burnout is real and can lead to physical and mental health problems, but allowing yourself a break is beneficial for both you and the person you are caring for. Taking a break to rest can help reduce stress, maintain relationships with other family and friends, and allow you take time for yourself.
Respite care provides support to caregivers, so you can take a much needed break. Whether that’s running errands, spending time with immediate family or friends, or catching up on episodes of your favorite show, the LIFE program offers a compassionate solution for respite needs. For seniors with family who are out-of-state or too far to provide care, the LIFE program also provides a solution and peace of mind that their loved one will be cared for.
Caregivers often feel ill-equipped when taking on such a big responsibility, and not having additional help can leave them feeling isolated. The LIFE program provides 24-hour access to doctors and nurses, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Participants receive specialized geriatric medical and social services, along with free, round trip transportation to doctor’s appointments and our designated LIFE centers.
Providing Help and Support When You Need it Most
In addition to medical care, LIFE provides your loved one with socialization and activities to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated. LIFE also offers at-home care services, such as assisting with medical equipment, identifying areas of the home that need modification for safety, and delivering and administering medication.
The LIFE program at Catholic Health was designed with both participants and their caregivers in mind. You can count on the LIFE program to provide you with the support and assistance you need. If you are ready to enroll your loved one in Catholic Health’s LIFE program, or would like to learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit the LIFE program website, or call (716) 819-5433.
