Summer is finally here and that means evening sports activities with the kids, exploring the parks and lakes, family road trips and a trip to the cabin every chance you get. It is difficult to juggle a family calendar that is bursting at the seams, especially if you are caring for an older family member too. At times, it seems impossible to manage it all and it’s easy to neglect your own needs—but there is a way.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle as well as advances in medicine allow many older adults to live longer, more productive lives. Nationwide, the number of adults age 85 and older is growing faster than any other age group, thus causing the ‘sandwich’ generation to emerge. The sandwich generation refers to those who are caring for their parents and caring for their own children at the same time.

It’s tough to strike a manageable balance between raising a family, a demanding job, daily family activities and chores, as well as caring for aging parents. This is where the precious gift of time is greatly needed!

Striving to meet the changing needs of our communities, Augustana Care is dedicated to finding solutions for the issues older generations and family caregivers face. One of the solutions is our respite care program. Respite care refers to when a substitute caregiver assists with an individual’s care needs so the primary caregiver can take a break. This break can occur on a regular basis (once a week, for example) or occasionally (during a planned vacation or to help get through an illness or surgery). Think of respite care service as one more tool in your caregiving toolbox.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, an estimated 44 million Americans are the primary caregiver to a chronically ill, disabled or older family member each year. Extensive research shows that family members who care for senior loved ones with a chronic or disabling condition are themselves at risk for caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout can eventually cause strain on any family relationship as well as emotional, mental and physical health problems. Here are some signs and symptoms of caregiver stress: 

• Feeling tired and run down
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety, depression or a feeling of hopelessness
• Feeling irritable or impatient
• A depleted immune system

Augustana Care staff members firmly believe that in order to adequately care for others, you must take care of yourself first. It’s easy to get caught up in daily demands until before too long, you’ve reached a state of exhaustion and feel burned out. Let us help!

Augustana Care’s respite program offers personalized care, reassurance and support tailored to your loved one’s unique needs and preferences. Augustana Care staff members understand respite care because, like you, we are caregivers. We offer many different options and timelines to accommodate you and your family. A stay in one of our respite suites can provide the services your loved one requires in a welcoming atmosphere for a day, a week or a month.

The goal with our respite care program is to offer caregivers the time they need to recharge, while providing care to their loved ones in a comfortable, safe setting. Trained staff members are available around the clock, providing home-cooked meals and welcoming your loved one with a comfortable bed, kitchenette, television and telephone to use during a stay. Medical services are also provided, following the orders of a resident’s personal physician.

In case you’re wondering, your loved ones will not be bored during temporary stays with us! Life at Augustana Care is full of choices, including celebrations, and a calendar of events filled with activities. Augustana Care communities that provide respite care include the following:

• Augustana Chapel View skilled nursing community in Hopkins
• Augustana Care Health and Rehabilitation of Apple Valley
• Augustana Care Health and Rehabilitation of Hastings
• Augustana Lakeside skilled nursing community in Dassel
• Augustana Care skilled nursing community of Minneapolis
• Augustana Care Health and Rehabilitation of Moose Lake
• Augustana Elk Run in Evergreen, CO
• Augustana Regent of Burnsville care suites
• Emerald Crest by Augustana Care
• The Rosemount
• The Pines
• Castle Peak by Augustana Care

Being with your family and enjoying summer is important for anyone’s health, but especially for a caregiver. We provide you with respite care options so you can give yourself the gift of time. Take care of yourself by letting us take care of your loved one.