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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Respite care spells relief for stressed-out caregivers
By Peter Ganther
Caregivers who take care of someone in their home must deal with the needs of their loved one 24 hours a day. Most caregivers are reluctant to ask for help even from siblings and other relatives so they end up carrying the burden all by themselves. Sometimes the stress level reaches the boiling point. The only way to keep this stress from debilitating you, the caregiver, is for you to catch a break. Respite care might just be the relief you need. Respite care provides the primary caregiver temporary relief from the rigors of continuous care. This temporary relief can be on a regular, as needed, or emergency basis. Think of it as an integral part of your overall support system. Personal hygiene tasks, housekeeping, companionship, meals, and daily living activities would all fall under the title of respite care; skilled nursing services and medication disbursement would not. The caregiver and the respite care provider get together and discuss the type, frequency, and length of care given. Respite care may be for a few hours each week, an occasional weekend, or even longer for vacations. Whatever the case may be, it needs to be arranged well in advance. Respite care providers can come to your home, your loved one can go to their home, or they can meet somewhere else like an adult day care center. All respite caregivers are trained in dealing with people with disabilities, but medical and behavioral problems may require specialized caregivers. The cost of respite care is based on one’s annual income. Respite care can provide the primary caregiver with time to do grocery shopping, go away for a weekend, or even take a much needed vacation.
We can’t do this all by ourselves: we need to set up a system of support and rely on it. If you don’t get a break every so often you may be the next person receiving care.
Reprinted with permission of Today’s Caregiver magazine, Copyright © 2002-2005. Subscriptions are available through www.caregiver.com ,or call tollfree 1 800-829-2734.
Ed. Note: Elder Services of Berkshire County offers a respite program to give caregivers temporary relief from their caregiving responsibilities. Options such as day care programs, in-home companions, short-term nursing home placement, or help from Elder Services’ caregiver fund can help provide caregivers with much-needed respite. For more information and eligibility requirements, contact Elder Services at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242.