| Caring for the elderly family member is a | | | | regarding such places or you can read up on the |
| enormous responsibility that few people are willing | | | | Internet. |
| to accept. The role of a caregiver is one of | | | | You can opt for the home help or home care |
| sacrifice in terms of their own health, family and | | | | services, for the time of your absence. Home |
| work. When a person accepts the role of the | | | | help pays visits to the elderly 3 times a day for |
| primary caregiver to the ageing parents, he or | | | | about an hour, for washing .dressing and feeding |
| she has no idea how long the commitment will | | | | the elderly. They do not remain with the elders |
| last. It could be weeks, months or years and in | | | | throughout the day. Home care provides |
| that time, you as the caregiver will be mentally | | | | assistance for a longer time, but the attendant |
| worn out within just a few weeks of beginning | | | | does not stay with the elderly round the clock. |
| your role as the primary caregiver. | | | | This may not be a good option for elders |
| The task of the caregiver is all consuming and it | | | | requiring constant care. |
| will take over the control of your life very quickly, | | | | Another option is to get a family member to help |
| this is unavoidable. You may find it difficult to cope | | | | out with the eldercare for the few days you will |
| with the daily stress and will want to take a break | | | | be away. This might prove to be the best choice |
| very often. Either you can go away for a few | | | | because your mind is at ease with a familiar |
| days or take a break at your own home. Just like | | | | person looking after your elderly parent. The |
| a fulltime job, this also needs recharging of your | | | | relatives are easily reachable at a moment's |
| batteries. | | | | notice, to ensure proper communication. However, |
| Before thinking of respite for yourself, you have | | | | there must be a volunteer for this job. |
| to make arrangements for the elderly in your | | | | Depending on your financial status, you can |
| care. Some options are available for such an | | | | combine two or more options, although money is |
| eventuality. The first alternative is respite | | | | not a concern where an elders well being is |
| placements in a retirement home. Many | | | | involved. You must take a break as often as |
| retirement homes have rooms for only respite | | | | possible for your own health and mental peace. |
| cases, so that the family members can take | | | | As a primary caregiver, you owe it to yourself |
| some rest. Before reserving a place, you can | | | | and your family to take a break from the task of |
| verify the home in question, by visiting the place. | | | | eldercare. |
| All the local authority offices will have details | | | | |