MAS offers a wide array of services to home care RI clients who are chronically ill, physically disabled, or aging seniors in need of assistance.  Our carefully selected caregivers come into the home to help with meal preparation, personal care, light housekeeping, safety supervision, and more.

One valuable service we provide is respite care. Respite care refers to short-term relief of family members who care for a loved one at home. It can mean an hour, a weekend, or a week. With all your focus on your loved one all the time, it’s nice to have to opportunity to step away, even if it is just for an hour or two. The toll caring for another person takes can be mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally exhausting. No one has the energy to give 100% of their best effort all the time. Respite care is beneficial for family caregivers’ health and happiness. Studies have shown that respite can help maintain well being, prevent placement of the client in a facility, reduce the likelihood of neglect, and improve and sustain relationships.

Some people use respite care to run errands, others use it for personal relaxation or a meal out of the house.  Respite care can also be utilized to take a vacation. In Rhode Island there are many ways to utilize this time and maximize the benefits of having a home care agency safely watching over your loved one.

Do you need to go to the market? While the weather is still nice, why don’t you head to a farmers market instead of your usual grocery store? On Fridays, Goddard State Park has a Farmers Market full of fresh foods and treats from 9 am to 1 pm, May 3^rd – October 25^th. FarmFresh.org has a list of other markets, stands, and pick-your-own locations. Not only are you getting an errand checked off your list, but you are boosting your mood by interacting with vendors and neighbors and enjoying the fresh air.

Take the whole afternoon and relax at a state beach. This is the Ocean State after all. Misquamicut State Beach, Scarborough, Easton’s Beach, Roger Wheeler State Beach, and Atlantic Beach are only a few of the many locations in the state to set up a chair and dig your toes in the sand. Sometimes a little bit of “doing nothing” is what we need to get re-energized.

Retail therapy is also helpful. Maybe you have a gift you need to get. Stroll through the shops in Newport to find unique treasures. Don’t forget one for yourself. Are you in the need of more time away? Make plans to stay the night. Consider it a mini-vacation. You are still in the state if you need to get home quickly, but in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

How would you spend your “free time?”

Contact MAS Home Care of Rhode Island at 866-404-8325 or ri@mashomecare.com to learn more about respite care and other services. MAS offers free in-home assessments to better understand your needs.