| The emotional and physical demands of caring for | | | | Answering the aforesaid questions will help you |
| someone every time are far too overwhelming for | | | | choose from a variety of available respite services: |
| one person to handle alone – at least they are; if | | | | - In-Home Care – This enables individuals the |
| you want to maintain your health and sanity. It’s not | | | | comfort and familiarity of remaining in their home |
| uncommon for the stresses of care giving to take a | | | | environment. You can request a companion who will |
| serious toll on our physical and emotional well-being. | | | | engage the individual in stimulating recreational activities |
| Studies link high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, | | | | and provide transportation to appointments. A personal |
| depression and other health ailments with care giving. | | | | care provider assists with bathing, dressing, feeding |
| Respite care could be your saving grace. | | | | and toileting. A skilled health care provider is trained in |
| So what exactly is this Respite Care? Respite Care | | | | providing medical care. Homemaker services offer |
| refers to a short rest or a temporary period of relief. It | | | | meal preparation, shopping, and housekeeping. |
| benefits the care recipient and provides support to the | | | | Depending on your needs, you can choose one or a |
| caregiver as well so he or she doesn’t feel so | | | | combination of these services. |
| alone in the care giving journey. Whether you want to | | | | - Adult daycare – Group respite care is provided in |
| spend time with friends, go to the movies or just catch | | | | a structured and stimulating environment outside of the |
| up on your sleep, respite care means a responsible | | | | home. Daily activities may include music, exercise, art |
| caregiver will watch your loved one so you can have | | | | and lectures. |
| a well-deserved break. | | | | - Residential care – When you need a break, |
| Don’t make the mistake of waiting for a crisis | | | | residential facilities offer short term stays. Care |
| before taking advantage of Respite. Pre plan the | | | | recipients can stay overnight, for several days or for |
| whole matter. And remember that the first step to | | | | several weeks. Home care agencies will also send a |
| finding respite care that works for you is to take stock | | | | companion, caregiver, homemaker over-skilled health |
| of the skills, type and frequency of services you need. | | | | care provider to stay overnight in your home for as |
| What is it that you and the care recipient need the | | | | long as you need. |
| most? Is it helping with transportation? Someone to do | | | | We all know the golden rule of good Caregiving: first, |
| the grocery shopping and cook meals? Assistance | | | | take care of thy self. Respite care gives you an |
| with daily walks or other forms of exercise? | | | | opportunity to do this. After all, if we don’t take |
| Companionship for a few hours each day? Bathing | | | | care of ourselves who is going to take care of those |
| and grooming? Or maybe you need help with catheter | | | | who depend on us? |
| insertion and transferring? | | | | |