Facts About Special Respite Co-Op Groups For Caregivers

Taking care of someone, especially someone elderly with a lot of medical problems, can be tough, making it hard to find time for yourself and other family members. For many caregivers and their families, the cost of hiring a home health aide can be too expensive. The good news is you can find someone to help you get a break, and the help can come from someone that is experiencing the same issues of caregiving as you.

What Is A Respite Co-Op Group?

A respite co-op is a group of people working together to provide support to one another and to give each other a break caring for their elderly loved one. One of the best benefits of a respite co-op is the people in them all have caregiving in common. Co-op groups build a special community of people with a lot of the same worries and fears about caring for an elderly loved one.

In a co-op group, for example, if you need a day to go shopping and to attend a doctor's appointment, one of the members in the co-op would take the time to look after your loved one while you go. You can stay with that person's loved one at another time when that person needs a break. However, co-op members might need to depend on the support of their family and friends when they care for another co-op member's loved one. Co-op care will not cost you anything apart from your time helping another member in the same way as that person helped you.

Co-Op Members Have Personal Experience With Senior Care

Most of the people you find in a caregiver co-op group have experience caring for their elderly loved ones, meaning they also have a wealth of experience to offer you in your time of need. Most of the caregivers in co-op groups are also aware of how important it is for you to get a break, if for nothing but to go and catch a movie. Your physical and emotional health depends on you having time to enjoy the activities you love. You cannot care for someone else if you are physically sick and emotionally worn down.

Starting Your Own Co-Op Group

Your loved one's physician can help you locate co-op groups in your area. You can also find groups through adult day care centers. However, if you find there are no groups in your area, you might consider starting your own. When at the doctor's office with your loved one, talk to other people there if they are also caring for elderly loved ones. You can also put an ad in your local paper letting other caregivers in area about your idea for a co-op group. Always remember to tell people it does not cost anything and only involves volunteer work. Highlight the benefits of a group as well.

Caring for an elderly loved one can be an endearing, emotional and challenging task. However, the time you have with your elderly family member is worth all the hard work and time you invest in  that person. For additional advice on care options for your loved one, talk to care companies like BrightStar Care of Naples/Ft. Myers.