Adult Day Care Makes You a Better Caregiver

 by ElderCarelink

Caregiving brings with it a whole host of emotions – not the least of which is guilt. No matter how much you give, you always think there is more you could be doing.

However, don’t let that guilt stop you from taking advantage of adult day care respite services. Yes, you may feel like you are unloading your responsibility on someone else, but an elder care study found you’d actually be doing your loved one a favor.

Turns out, adult day care has benefits that can help you be a better caregiver.

The study, published in the journal The Gerontologist, found caregivers who care for elders with dementia experienced less stress when the individual with dementia used adult day care services.

The research, conducted by Steven Zarit from Pennsylvania State University, revealed a range of benefits for caregivers who enroll their loved one with dementia in adult day services.

Lower care-related stresses

Better experiences during the day

Lowered anger levels

Reduced non-care stressors that could lead to depression

"Caregivers who live with and care for someone with dementia can experience extraordinary amounts of stress," said Zarit. "The use of adult day services appears to provide caregivers with a much-needed break that can possibly protect them from the negative health effects caused by chronic stress."

What’s more, lower stress levels and less anger can mean you are the caring compassionate caregiver you want to be, not the running-on-fumes one you are currently.

If you are ready to make a positive change for yourself and your loved one, visit ElderCareLink.com to find adult day cares in your area.