Providing care for an elderly parent or a loved one with health issues is a meaningful responsibility. This role is undertaken with a lot of love by millions of families across Canada, who does their best to help keep their loved ones independent for as long as possible. But it also tends to be accompanied by hidden costs - not just financial ones, but physical, emotional and practical. Such expenses may accumulate gradually and be overwhelming in the long run.

It such situations, Respite Care in Burnaby could be a game changer. Respite care provides caregivers down time, while still ensuring that the one they love receives safe, trained care. Although some families see respite care as an extra cost, it can actually save money in the long run. Most important of all, it promotes the general health of the caregiver and care recipient.

This blog is about the unseen expenses of care giving and how respite care can enable care giving families to escape the long-term financial burden.

The Financial Strain Most Caregivers Never Counted On

Majority of the caregivers start assisting a loved one unaware of the economic consequences. However, over months or years, the expenses start to pile up.

The following are some of the usual hidden costs:

• Lost income

Most caregivers cut their working time or quit their jobs in order to provide care to a loved one. This loss of income may impact budgets monthly and financial security in the long term such as retirement savings.

• Out-of-pocket expenses

Transport, medications, mobility aids, safety devices and even groceries are often paid up by caregivers. These costs might appear minor initially, yet they increase rapidly.

• Emergency or last-minute costs

In case of an overwhelmed caregiver, errors can occur, including missing medications or being injured because of exhaustion. Such accidents may result in an expensive emergency room care or temporary hospitalization.

• Long-term financial strain:

Caregivers might find it difficult to have a stable work or take care of themselves without rest and the necessary support. This may result in additional costs in future, not only to the one giving care but also to the one receiving care.

Respite care assists in mitigating these financial risks by providing caregivers with the time and support they require to remain healthy, productive and organized.

The Emotional and Physical Costs of Caregiving

Care giving costs are not just financial. The emotional burden is equally significant.

• Burnout

The long-term care giving may lead to stress, frustration and exhaustion. Burnout tends to affect the decision-making, patience, and health in general.

• Poor physical health

Lifting them, helping with daily chores, and staying awake always can cause back pain, chronic fatigue, or sleep disorders among caregivers.

• Mental health decline

Most caregivers start feeling anxious or depressed because they feel that they aren’t able to meet all the needs of the person they are caring!

These emotional and physical issues hinder the capacity of a caregiver to offer safe care. Care giving may turn out to be overwhelming, accidents/health problems may happen and when they do, the costs may be increased.

By selecting Respite Care in Burnaby, caregivers will have scheduled breaks, rest and balance their emotions. This helps avoid long term complications which may involve expensive medical services in the future.

How Respite Care Helps Families Save Money Long-Term?

Respite care is not merely a break, but it is a financial and health saving move. This is how it will save money in the long run:

• Prevents Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout can usually result in a health issue, which may need treatment, sick leave, or extended prescription. Frequent respite care breaks allow the care givers to remain healthy and productive hence lowering health care costs.

• Prevent accidents and hospitalizations

Overstretched caregivers can fail to notice warning signs or find it difficult to perform physically demanding activity. One fall, injury, or medical emergency can result in large hospital bills. Respite care will give the professional supervision and minimize these risks.

• Supports better planning

When caregivers get time to rest they can make more sound decisions regarding medical care, home safety as well as daily activities. Good planning minimizes expensive last minute decisions or emergencies interventions.

• Helps seniors maintain independence longer

Health changes can be monitored early with the help of professional respite caregivers. The early intervention avoids complications and long-term full time care, which is much more expensive.

• Improves quality of life

A less stressed and more rested care giver will be in a position to be more emotionally supportive and also make more conscious decisions about the finances of the loved one.

A Practical Step toward Healthier, Stronger Caregiving!

Undoubtedly, caregiving is important! But, must it come at the cost of your health or income or peace of mind? Caregiving comes with hidden costs that accumulate over time. Fortunately, such problems can easily be prevented with immediate help. Respite Care in Burnaby offers the support, organization and professional skills that families require to be financially and emotionally stable over the long-term.

When you are ready to find affordable and quality respite care, DM Home Care has flexible and compassionate solutions that enable the caregivers have a chance to rest as their loved ones are provided with reliable support.