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Sunwest Management, Inc. manages over 250 communities nationwide with over 25 locations  in Texas!. We believe in the principle that providing professional management services for senior housing communities meets a critical need for a nation’s population that is aging gracefully in increasing numbers. 

Our senior communities are offering a 5-Day Free Respite Stay. This short term care program is designed for those who may have additional requirements after an illness or hospitalization before returning home.

Our trained caring staff works with physicians, therapists and community agencies such as Home Health and Hospice, to ensure the best possible care of our guests.

Our services include:

• Nutritious and enticing meals
• A comfortable environment
• Recreational opportunities
• A personalized plan of care which may include medication management and assistance with activities of daily living
• Care staff available 24 hours-a-day
• Housekeeping and laundry service

Reservations for the 5-Day Free Respite Stay can be made once an assessment has been completed to ensure we can meet your client’s needs. A daily rate is available for up to 30 days for guests who qualify.

* Availability may be limited. Please contact us for additional information.

What is respite care?

Respite care provides time off for family members who care for someone who is ill, injured or frail. Caregivers face many challenges. Caregiving is a demanding task, and it is easy to neglect your own health and well being when you are involved with your loved one's needs. Caregivers need time off from their caregiving responsibilities to relieve stress and prevent burnout. Effective, sustainable caregiving depends on meeting the caregiver's own needs for nurture, reassurance, support and periodic respite.

Respite care provides time off for family members who care for someone who is ill, injured or frail. It can take place in an adult day center, in the home of the person being cared for, or even in a residential setting such as an assisted living facility or nursing home. Although there are different approaches to respite care, all have the same basic objective; to provide caregivers with planned temporary, intermittent, substitute care, allowing for relief from the daily responsibilities of caring for the care recipient.

Respite care is essential for all caregivers, whether they work in a caregiving facility or at home with family members or close friends.

What types of respite care are available?

Respite care is provided in a variety of ways. Most typically, someone comes to the home and sits or cares for the family member. Depending on the level of care needed, the respite care person may need different skills. Some facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living offer to house and care for a family member for a day, a weekend or when the caregiver takes a vacation. In addition, if your family member is mobile, an adult day care center once or twice a week provides a good respite for a tired caregiver.

Are you in danger of burnout?

Caregivers are at increased risk of depression and other symptoms of distress. Perhaps you feel guilty because you think you aren't doing enough, and you're frustrated that you can't do more. If you're feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, that's understandable - this is a difficult time for you…and help is available.

The symptoms of burnout are very similar to those of depression. In fact, the two conditions often contribute to one another.

Are you experiencing:

	Persistent symptoms of depression
	Constant anxiety, irritability, or anger
	Feelings of detachment, numbness, or exhaustion
	Continuous self-criticism
	Withdrawal from usual activities
	Negligence or hatred of care giving responsibilities
	Trouble at work or in relationships
	Substance abuse

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association has shown that seniors providing care for an ailing spouse are likely to become sick more often and experience more stress than similar people who aren't caregivers. Make sure that you get regular medical checkups. If you have any symptoms of depression (extreme sadness, trouble concentrating, apathy, hopelessness, or thoughts about death), see a doctor right away. Depression is an illness that can, and should, be treated.

Care for the caregiver tips

Here are ways you can care for yourself while caring for others.

• Schedule regular afternoons or evenings out.
• If you can't leave and friends can't come over, take time each day for a phone conversation with a friend or family member. Even a brief chat can lift your spirits.
• Eat nutritious meals. Don't give in to stress-driven urges for sweets or drink too much alcohol.
• Get enough sleep. If you are kept up at night, try a nap during the day to make up some sleep.
• Exercise regularly, even if it means finding someone else to provide care while you walk or go to exercise class.
• Make a list of jobs you need help with and seek out someone to assist you. This could include household chores, home repair or maintenance, driving, paying bills, or finding information on services you need.
• If possible, arrange for adult day care for your loved one. This will you give you time for errands and personal time as well as provide health monitoring, transportation, nursing care and therapeutic recreation for your care recipient.
• Join a support group. You don't even have to leave the house for meetings. For homebound caregivers, Internet-based support groups are a blessing.
• Draw strength from your faith. Even home visits from a member of your church or synagogue are a way to keep you in touch.
• Take time to pamper yourself. Take a warm bath, light candles…find a time to relax each day.
• Plan a weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation.
• Hire a temporary caregiver from a respite care program.

Questions to ask about respite care programs

• How are care providers screened?
• What is the training and level of experience of the care providers?
• Will care providers need additional training to meet specific family needs?
• How, and by whom, are the care providers supervised?
• What procedures does the program have for emergencies?
• Are families limited to a certain number of hours of services?
• Does the program provide transportation?
• What is the cost of services? How is payment arranged?

How can support groups help?

Caregiver support groups can help alleviate the stress and strain of caregiving. Support groups allow you to meet others in situations much like yours. You can talk, vent, and exchange tips and hints with people who understand. For those who cannot easily leave home, there are online message boards and forums that can provide much-needed support.

Respite care provides a break for you and care for your loved one. With respite care, you can feel safe leaving your loved one while you run errands, shop, or just relax; more extensive respite care can allow you to continue working outside your home or help you juggle caring for your children and an elderly adult.

Above all, remember to keep in touch with yourself. If you are sick, exhausted, or overworked, you can't provide good care for anyone. Caregiving is an act of love, but is also a demanding, challenging job. No one can handle it alone. Getting help for yourself is one of the best things you can do for your loved one, and it will enable you to keep giving top-quality care. If you neglect yourself, you are putting your loved one at risk - taking time for yourself will also benefit your care recipient.

Reservations for the 5-Day Free Respite Stay can be made once an assessment has been completed to ensure we can meet your client’s needs. A daily rate is available for up to 30 days for guests who qualify.

To inquire about your 5-Day Free Respite stay at any one of our senior communities, please complete the Request for Information form below. * Availability may be limited. Please contact us for additional information.

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DISCLAIMER: Links to other websites or references to products, services or publications do not imply the endorsement or approval of such websites, products, services or publications by Elder Options of Texas. The determination of the need for senior care services and the choice of a facility is an extremely important decision. Please make your own independent investigation.