Everyone needs a break - especially caregivers. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer's continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.
The Journal of American Medical Association reports that if you are a spousal caregiver between the ages of 66 and 96, and are experiencing ongoing mental or emotional strain as a result of your caregiving duties, there's a 63% increased risk of dying over those people in the same age group who are not caring for a spouse. As a caregiving spouse, you may begin to feel very isolated from friends and feel tremendous guilt about your own unmet needs.
Importance of Respite for CaregiversRelaxation. Respite gives families peace of mind, helps them relax, and renews their humor and their energy;
Enjoyment.
Respite allows families to enjoy favorite pastimes and pursue new activities;Stability. Respite improves the family's ability to cope with daily responsibilities and maintain stability during crisis;
Preservation. Respite helps preserve the family unit and lessens the pressures that might lead to institutionalization, divorce, neglect, and child abuse;
Involvement. Respite allows families to become involved in community activities and to feel less isolated;
Time Off. Respite allows families to spend time together and alone; and
Enrichment. Respite makes it possible for family
members to establish individual identities and enrich their own
growth and development.
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About Caregiver Burnout
Everyone needs a break. Respite is a service in which temporary care is provided to children or adults with disabilities, or chronic or terminal illnesses. Respite can occur in out-of-home and in-home settings for any length of time. Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude -- from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. The signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout are similar to the symptoms of stress and depression.
Common
signs and symptoms of caregiver stress include:
Respite is a vital resource especially for a spouse caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease or any other condition which requires constant care.
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