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Are You a Caregiver Who Needs a Break?

Are you caring for someone? Do you pick up groceries for your parents or neighbors? Do you take them to the doctor? If you assist someone else who needs help with their daily living, then you are a caregiver. Respite Care provides relief for the caregiver by arranging for services such as personal care, homemaking, or adult day services. This short-term assistance supports the well-being of caregivers as they balance their lives and caregiving responsibilities.

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Caregiver Support

The Caregiver Support Program addresses the growing needs of informal caregivers providing care for loved ones at home. One of the most important highlights of this program is the focus on the caregiver. Traditionally, the older adult is viewed as the “client” and, therefore, the focus of the care-planning process. In this program, however, the caregiver is the focus.

Providing Care for Loved Ones at Home with Respite Care

Call our Advice Line today, and our staff will connect you with community agencies and services, provide fact sheets and publications that may answer some of your questions, and direct you to other resources.

For Caregivers

What is Respite?

Respite care is planned or emergency care that provides temporary relief to caregivers who are caring for a child or adult of any age requiring daily assistance. The need for ongoing assistance may be due to a physical, mental, or cognitive disorder.

Examples of Respite:

In the Home

Ask a friend or neighbor for a break or recruit a college student
Hire a certified care provider
Swap time with a friend that has a similar need

Out of the Home

Recreational and Social Programs
Day camps/weekend camps
Community respite events
Adult Day Health Centers/Programs
Short-term respite in a facility

Why Respite?

Research shows that using respite makes you a better caregiver by helping to maintain mental stability and physical well-being. Respite also benefits the whole family:

Relaxation. Respite gives families peace of mind, helps them relax, and renews their humor and their energy.
Enjoyment. Respite allows families to enjoy their favorite or new activities.
Stability. Respite improves the family’s ability to cope with daily responsibilities and find strength during a crisis.
Preservation. Respite helps strengthen the family unit and lessens the pressures that might lead to institutionalization, divorce, neglect, and child abuse.
Involvement. Respite allows families to become involved in community activities and to feel less isolated.
Time Off. Respite allows families to take that needed vacation and spend time together or time alone.
Enrichment. Respite makes it possible for family members to create individual identities and enrich their own growth and development.

Do You Need Respite?

Do you find yourself trying to do it all and be responsible for all aspects of caregiving?

Are you spending less time with your family and friends because of the constant care you are providing for someone?
Do you feel as though you could provide better care if only you could take a break for a while?
Do you frequently experience upsetting emotions such as anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, or loneliness?

If so, you can call our Advice Line for a free, professional consultation to help:

Determine which services are needed
Determine what payment options are available to you
Locate service providers
Evaluate various respite options

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Are You a Caregiver Who Needs a Break?

Caregiver Support

Providing Care for Loved Ones at Home with Respite Care

For Caregivers

What is Respite?

Why Respite?

Do You Need Respite?

Older Adults & Caregivers

Need immediate help for yourself or a loved one?

Community Leaders

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