If you are a caregiver for a senior or disabled individual, the task may seem daunting. Regardless of where you are, the person you are responsible for is on your mind. Are they safe? If you are honest with yourself, the care giving is done lovingly, but it is a challenging situation. The caregiver needs a period of rest or relief from a difficult or challenging situation. This is called a respite.
A friend from church who has a husband with early onset dementia told me she goes from laughing to crying. A sense of humor gets us through many challenges, but it cannot compensate for the hourly stress of being a caregiver.
Some options are available for those with and those without financial resources.
1. Contact your place of worship. Often communities have individuals who are willing and able to fill in when the caregiver needs a break. Often these respite individuals are retired healthcare professionals and bring a broad skill set with them.
2. Agency on Aging in your community may have resources or volunteers to provide respite services. The number of providers is often not adequate for those that need the help so if you are thinking about making a difference give them a call. They will welcome you.
3. Nonmedical care giving agencies are a fee for service option. The scope of services is much greater because the individuals are trained and paid by the agency they work for. They can provide as few as 3 to 4 hours or as much as 24 hours a day.
Take care of yourself if you are a caregiver. You are the primary point person for the senior who needs your care and oversight. You are strong and courageous, but you are not invincible. If you get sick or are not able to care for your loved one, who are they to turn to? If you need a break but are not sure who to ask, contact me for more information.