As an HCS program provider in Texas, we at A-1 Affinity Care recognize the role family members and friends of people with developmental disabilities play in providing them with an immediate system of care. We call these people primary caregivers, and we salute their efforts in lifting the lives of people with disability.

According to statistics from Caregiver.org, there are around 43.5 million primary caregivers in the country, all offering unpaid care to an adult or child. Many of them take care of a loved one with intellectual developmental disabilities. This has benefits: persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by homelessness and lack of healthcare.

While being a caregiver is a noble calling, we cannot deny how taxing it can be. Primary caregivers regularly set aside their own needs to ensure quality care, eventually leading to burnout when they cannot get time to recuperate. They will experience fatigue, emotional exhaustion, greater susceptibility to illness, feelings of isolation, and even resentment toward being a caregiver. Without support, they may risk their loved one’s continuity of care.

Fortunately, there are options. As your reliable provider of the HCS program in Houston, Texas, we also offer respite care. It allows primary caregivers to rest from their duties without disrupting care plans. This program also provides the following benefits:

• A chance for their disabled loved ones to be with other people
• Time to address personal needs
• An opportunity to regain physical and mental wellness before resuming duties
• More time to be with their loved ones as they are and not as care providers

If you experience caregiver burnout, give yourself and your loved one with disabilities a chance for better care. Contact us now for more information about our services and the HCS program.