Taking care of a dependent elderly person is a great responsibility. We must attend to her care, keep her company and, sometimes, prioritize her needs over our own in order to provide her with the maximum possible well-being. For this reason, the burnt-out caregiver syndrome is becoming more frequent.
Burnout caregiver syndrome is a collapse of the person who dedicates their attention to someone dependent and manifests itself with various symptoms, both physical and emotional. And it is important to emphasize that, in order to properly take care of the other, the person himself must also feel and feel good.
In addition to this condition, there are other circumstances in which caring for an elderly dependent becomes complicated and we need extra support on a temporary basis. This is where family respite programs come in.
The family respite program consists of the temporary stay of the dependent person in a residence for the elderly or a day center. There, the dependent person receives the necessary attention and care, being a very helpful support for the person or persons responsible for this on a day-to-day basis.
The dependent elderly person is guaranteed the care they need, both physically and mentally. You are guaranteed health care, activities for your entertainment and your health, company, entertainment, quality food, an optimal area to rest, and so on. During your stay, you will receive the same treatment as regular residents in the center, except that after the time of the family relief program, you will return to your usual home.
Meanwhile, the caregiver or caregivers –whether they are professional or family caregivers– can take a break from this task for a while. It is especially beneficial for preventing or relieving burnout caregiver syndrome. But it is also of great help for vacation periods and trips, work or personal obligations.
It can be an interesting resource, for example, if another member of the family or the caregiver himself becomes ill or requires hospitalization. Also during periods of reforms or removals, in divorce proceedings or other circumstances that hinder the proper care of the elderly.
There are family respite programs in private and public residential centers. In the former, it is the residence itself that determines the criteria necessary to qualify for it. It is usually easier to obtain a place, with faster procedures and fewer requirements, although more expensive.
In the case of public family respite programs, it is the autonomous communities that regulate the requirements. As a general rule, it is usually necessary for the person to be over 65, or 60 with a certain degree of dependency or recognized disability.
