Senior Care and Wellness in Niagara Region: Choose Respite Care
Illness, injury and other health-related concerns can turn a senior’s life upside down. That’s why it’s tempting to regard the discharge of an aging loved from hospital as an indicator that things are finally going back to normal.
However, this is not the case as there will most likely be numerous hospital visits over the coming months. Indeed, discharge from hospital signifies a high-risk period for recovering seniors. That’s why patients needs care and wellness support.
This is where respite care comes in. Read this post to discover more about respite care and wellness in the Niagara region.
Senior Respite Care: How to Access Care and Wellness in Niagara Region
Getting your aging loved one into respite care after a hospital discharge is necessary for their complete recovery. Indeed, it can help them return to daily life much sooner.
1. What is respite care?
Respite care is a series of short-stay programs, typically ranging from two to four weeks, offered by independent and assisted living facilities.
There are numerous reasons why respite care may be suitable for the senior in your life. For instance, maybe they have recently undergone a hip or knee replacement. Or perhaps they suffered an illness or fall that resulted in a hospital visit and they may not be ready to go back home just yet.
Some family members may look to respite care to help their aging loved one see how well they may be able to settle into an assisted living environment.
2. What is the importance of respite care after a hospital discharge?
Recovering from an illness or injury does not end once the senior is discharged from hospital. Keep in mind that any condition that requires an elderly person to be admitted to hospital often takes weeks or even months to ensure a full recovery.
However, many seniors and their families or primary caregivers take recovery for granted and don’t realize the risks associated with a hospital stay. If the condition reoccurs or if they experience another mishap during the recovery stage, they may have to be readmitted. For instance, a patient may experience fatigue and weakness post-discharge which increases their risk of sustaining a fall and breaking bones.
Needless to say, when anyone is released from hospital, they don’t want to go back. One of the most effective ways to reduce chances of readmission is to make sure they have the help they need to recover properly. In respite care your aging loved one receives the support they require for a speedy return to health.
3. What are the benefits of respite care in Niagara Region?
There are numerous benefits of respite care for seniors in Niagara Region. It may be suitable for those that require injury rehabilitation or recovery from a medical procedure. Here are the primary benefits of respite care.
- You Receive Consistent Care
Respire care facilities offer seniors care and wellness programs to ensure continuity of care after discharge from a hospital. With additional support in their recovery, patients can rehabilitate faster and gain the strength to perform everyday tasks like bathing, walking, and dressing. This time can also be used to get their house prepared for their return. For instance, while your aging loved one is in respite care, you can install grab bars, wheelchair ramps and other safety measures.
- You Reduce Social Isolation
Respite care facilities offer their residents a nurturing environment. They encourage social interactions, even while recovering from an injury or illness. This goes a long way towards ensuring that recovering seniors don’t feel isolated, which can negatively impact their mental health.
While it’s understandable for seniors to feel nervous at first, once they start taking part in everyday activities, they are bound to have a positive overall experience.
- You Receive Support and Assistance
With respite care, the caregivers of recovering seniors have the support and assistance they need while ensuring that their charges receive the care they need. This can be extremely helpful for caregivers who may be caring for a loved one with a cognitive impairment or chronic illness. Additionally, it ensures that seniors enjoy a higher quality of life with professional assistance in terms of bathing, meal prep and medication reminders.
Looking after an aging loved one who is recovering from an illness or injury after a hospital stay can be challenging. So, it’s advisable to choose respite care for ongoing assistance and to ensure they receive the right care and wellness support in the Niagara region. This way, primary caregivers can get a much-deserved break from their caregiving duties while ensuring that their loved one recovers speedily.