Respite-Taking a Break
Respite provides caregivers a break from their daily responsibilities. Respite can cover a wide range of services based upon the unique needs of the caregiver.
Respite might mean:
- Medical or social adult day care for the loved one or friend
- A short-term stay in a nursing home or assisted living facility for the loved one or friend
- A home health aide or home health companion
- A private duty nurse
Respite for the caregiver might be:
- Giving the caregiver a short break for a doctor’s appointment or to go shopping
- Allowing the caregiver the opportunity to nap, bathe, or otherwise rejuvenate
- A break to attend a church service or see a movie
- Taking a much needed vacation
- Pampering oneself with a hair appointment or manicure
- Scheduling elective surgery
- Simply visiting friends or other family members
However you choose to take a break, make sure you do it often enough to maintain a healthy balance between caregiving and your personal needs.
SOURCE: NATIONAL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE ORGANIZATION, WWW.NHPCO.ORG
