Attention Burned Out Caregivers: Respite Is Possible For You

Millions of caregivers throughout our country are putting in long hours, putting up with very difficult circumstances, including difficult aging loved ones, and have little or no relief.  If you don’t have much money to spare, how can you get a break? 

Consider the concept of respite, or rest.  If you are able to manage it financially, many senior living facilities offer short term care for an elder so that family caregivers can take a break, get away, or just have freedom from the responsibility for a bit.  Often, the living facility will care for your elder for a weekend, or a week,, without further obligation to move in or sign on for any other services.  A nice place to stay, meals, socialization and sometimes special events are all made available to the elder.  You pay by the day, or weekend, or week, according to how the facility creates respite care for those who do not live full time in the facility.

The same kind of respite care may be available at long term care (nursing care) facilities, and adult day health services, if these are in your area.  The cost is often reasonable, though it varies a great deal among states and regions.  It is certainly worth asking about.  If you are a caregiver, either part time or full time, you deserve a vacation now and then, just as everyone does from any other job.  Find a way to take it, and there is no need for guilty feelings.

If you don’t have the money to pay for respite care at a facility, it is possible to apply for a grant.  The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, part of the Alzheimer’s Association, makes a limited number of Family Respite Care Grants available for families who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.  There are application deadlines in spring and fall.  See www.alzfdn.org for details.

Other respite grants may be available from Family Caregiver Alliance or other family caregiver support organizations.  With budget cuts, there may be less now than ever, but do your research.  Some grants do exist.

If you can’t get a grant, consider using networks of support that other caregivers are using:  church or religious groups, volunteer organizations or family and friends.  Others may not offer to give you a break, but may be very willing to do so if you ask.  While no one can take care of an aging loved one the way you can, others are quite capable of giving you some relief.  A break can recharge your batteries and help you keep going on the journey ahead.

For additional information about maintaining your mental health as a caregiver, see www.AgingParents.com.

© 2010 AgingParents.com, Carolyn L. Rosenblatt, R.N., B.S.N., Attorney