Have you considered taking a break from Caregiving?   Taking time away to recharge?  

Studies have shown that taking time away can have physical and mental health benefits.  People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals.

Taking care of an aging or ill loved one can be enormously rewarding but also exhausting and emotionally draining.

Plowing through might feel doable in the short term, but too much time without a break can lead to caregiver burnout, depression and health problems.

EVERY CAREGIVER NEEDS A CAREGIVER — someone who will tend to your loved one for a few hours, days or weeks so you can take care of yourself.

Respite Care can help alleviate some of the symptoms of caregiver burnout by providing day or overnight care services, giving caregivers a much-needed break for a few hours a day or a few days a week. 

Respite can come in many forms: from family and friends; volunteer groups; faith-based organizations; local, state and federal agencies; or paid respite workers. It can take place in the home, or at an outside facility such as an adult day care center.

Determining If Respite Is Right For You

Often, caregivers are reluctant to admit they may need respite, and deciding to allow someone else to step in as a caregiver can be a big decision. 

• Do you feel emotionally and physically drained on a regular basis?
• Are you concerned that in the event of an emergency there is no one that you trust to take care of your loved one?
• Do you find yourself becoming more agitated with things that previously never bothered you?
• Are you neglecting your own health-related needs due to lack of time or lack of desire to assess your own needs?
• Are you experiencing resentment toward other family members who could help you but don’t?
• Is your social life suffering?
• Is there an unusual change in your eating habits?
• Do you have feelings...