Why Caregivers Need Respite Care

Caregivers who use respite care often tell me that although caregiving is one of the hardest jobs they've ever had, they wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Helping a family member or close friend who has Alzheimer's disease can provide a sense of purpose and great satisfaction. Still, the emotional and physical demands of caregiving make it hard to be a caregiver 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Without respite care -- a temporary break from the demands of caregiving -- you may be more susceptible to the effects of caregiver stress, such as depression, exhaustion and other health problems.

• Caregiver Stress and Burnout
• Coping Tips for Caregivers

Where to Start

Finding respite care might seem too overwhelming to be worth its while, but investing a little time in researching local services could lead to a respite care arrangement that will help fortify your ability to keep your loved one at home. Many nonprofit and government organizations can help you find respite care services near you.

• Four Types of Respite Services
• Alzheimer's and Caregiving Organizations
• Government Assistance for Alzheimer's Care

Choose In-Home Respite Care, Adult Day Care, or Both

If you need someone to come to your home and stay with your loved one so you can do things outside the home, try a home care aide. If you like the idea of having your loved one attend a program outside of the home so you can get some things done at home without interruptions, try adult day care. Some caregivers even use both in-home respite care and adult day care to have a couple of breaks each week.

• Where to Find Home Care Aides in Your Community
• Choosing the Right Home Care Aide for Your Loved One
• Building a Good Working Relationship with Your Home Care Aide
• How to Find an Adult Day Care Program

Get Everyone On Board

If you're the primary caregiver for your loved one but other family members are involved in decisions about his or her care, it's important to make sure everyone understands why you need respite care and supports the arrangement. Having a family meeting serves several purposes, such as making decisions about which services to use and generating activity ideas for those who will be providing care to your loved one. Making decisions as a family can prevent disputes and misunderstandings down the road.

• Activity Ideas for Your Home Care Aide
• How to Have a Successful Family Meeting

_Sources:

Caregiver stress. Alzheimer's Association. October 16, 2007. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_caregiver_stress_lwa.asp

Respite care. Alzheimer's Association. October 16, 2007. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_respite_care.asp