You just see to the safety and comfort of the client and do the minimum necessary. The caregiver will have fed and cleaned up before leaving, so everything is as well prepared as possible. Many caregivers carve out a free day by taking their loved one to Trinity Respite Center in Ashland, where they can play seated volleyball or basketball, socialize over lunch, discuss current events and join singalongs, said Shiela Ettlich, program director. Caregivers usually are so busy with basic tasks, they don t get to plan fun activities for their loved one. But we keep them busy all day and they usually sleep real well that night, which is especially nice for Alzheimer s patients who often don t sleep well.
Many caregivers don t realize how necessary respite help is.
In life, we re used to sick people getting well and less dependent, but with seniors, it s the other way around. You re generally looking at decline in health and increasing dependency. It s very difficult emotionally because both parties want independence and not having it can make both of them angry. You realize they can t live alone. Then you have to decide.