Respite Care
“Sometimes I am desperate for a break but I worry
that Mom will think I am deserting her. She depends on me and
I don’t want to abandon her”
Caring for an older person can be physically and emotionally
demanding. The ability of an impaired older person to remain
at home depends in large part on the ability of the caregiver to
continue to provide care.
Many caregivers are elderly themselves or have their own health
problems. Others work full or part time, are raising
children, or have other family responsibilities. Yet in spite
of these obstacles, family members are the primary caregivers of
their older relatives and friends, rearranging their own priorities
and juggling multiple responsibilities. Caregivers often
overlook their own needs, believing they must do it all and
focusing only on the needs of those for whom they care.
In fact, caregivers need to learn to take care of themselves to be
able to continue caring for their loved one. Identify your
own needs and set limits. If you do not care for yourself,
you may not be able to continue caring for your loved one.
Start developing a care team as soon as possible so your
loved one becomes accustomed to having others involved. Rest
and respite for you is essential, and you need to make it part of
your schedule sooner rather than later. You may be able to
arrange for a family member or friend to help out now and then, or
may find it less stressful to schedule relief or respite on a
regular basis. Two kinds of respite to consider are adult day
services and respite care.
Adult Day Services
Adult Day Services are provided in the community for the benefit of
both the caregiver and the care receiver. Adult day services
are appropriate for persons who are able to leave home and attend
an adult day center for all or part of a day. Adult day
centers offer a secure environment with supervision, stimulation,
and socialization; and many include assistance with eating,
dressing, or toileting. Lunch or transportation is often
available. You can use the time your loved one is away to
work, run errands, or simply rest and relax.
Respite Care
Respite Care in the home is another option that benefits both the
caregiver and the care receiver, and is suitable for homebound
individuals. A substitute caregiver comes to the home for a
period of time. This gives the primary caregiver an essential
break for rest and relaxation, or the opportunity to take care of
other responsibilities. Getting away for even a short time
can make a difference. Your loved one may object at first,
but you need to stick to your plan and take care of yourself.
See our Caregiving Series
for other self-care suggestions.
Visit Find Senior Services or
contact our Information & Assistance
Staff for more information about adult day services, respite
care, and other services in your area.
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