Get help from experts and other caregivers.
By Aprill Jones
We love them, that’s why we care for them. Even if it means we are on call or on duty every hour of every day. Even if it means sacrifice beyond what we imagined when we said, “Yes, of course.” We wouldn’t have it any other way. Knowing we can be there when they need us is reward enough.
In a perfect world, that’s all true. But it’s not a perfect world, and we are only human.
The daily wear and tear of caregiving adds up. As a matter of fact, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 20 hours or more weekly giving care are more likely than others to report loss of sleep, loss of appetite, increased pain and worsened headaches.In addition, Sybil Ingram-Campbell, BS, MT(ASCP), M, Ed, MBA, PhD. of National Family Caregivers Association warns that the emotional impact of caregiving can include:
This is where care for the caregiver – or respite – must come into the picture. When you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone.
Ever notice that people with high level, high stress jobs and careers still manage to make time for themselves, knowing that if they don’t, poor job performance and burn out could occur? It’s no different for caregivers.
But the hard part may not be admitting the need for rest and respite. It might come from not knowing where to turn for help, not understanding the different roles played by all the different associations, agencies and services.
Government Resources
When searching for respite options, consider making your city, county and state social service agencies your first phone call. Even if you think you will not qualify for specific services, agencies might be able to make referrals to other organizations that can be of assistance.
Refer to the county government listings (blue pages) in your local phone book for information on agencies that may offer direction, such as:
lkbchef
Mar 29, 2008 Suggest Removal
I get 4 hours a week respite. I am told this all the resources the area I live in offers. I have searched and searched for additional time. 4 hours a week just is not enough time when caring for my mother 24/7 I work full time as well, I have no financial backing to pay for any respite. I am the sole income in the house hold, my mother receives no money at this time, I have applied for ssi. But this process takes forever, How do I obtain more time to ensure I stay healthy? I am feeling really frusterated and need to take care of myself, before I have health issues. If anyone has suggestions please help.
Mar 30, 2008 Suggest Removal
I wish I were in Dallas...I would Love to utilize this service. Thats a wonderful idea. And very noble..however I am in a little baby town in MI ...that has rarely any resources. And there needs to be some in place. I have even considered relocating her to another state. It takes a lot of funding and switching of doctors, insurance, and starting all over. I often wonder if it may be worth it for more resources. Thanks for the input. I wish you well....
mmathers
May 22, 2008 Suggest Removal
To assist you in your search for respite care, please try the ARCH Respite Locator Service at www.respitelocator. orgThere are more than 4,000 respite providers on this free search service.Thanks,---Mike Mathers
ugotcarrie
May 23, 2008 Suggest Removal
I don't know if u can get a Dr to put her on hospice, or even if they have one there. Hospice has volunteers in FL who come for 3 hours periods. They also give free meds, and a cna who comes 3-5 times a week to bath her free thru medicare. They provide hsoptial beds,chairs, pottys etc free thru medicare too. good luck.
shorty4631
May 25, 2008 Suggest Removal
If there is an office for the Aging in the area where you live, you might contact them. Ours is in our county offices. Some churches offer a volunteer helper service so checking with a church office might find help for you. Keep looking and don't give up.
AgingCare Editor
May 27, 2008 Suggest Removal
Anyone looking for respite assistance, be sure to check out the link that Mike from Arch provided: the Respite Locator Service at www.respitelocator. org
Its a fantastic resource.
tcolling
May 28, 2008 Suggest Removal
One problem with trying to use eldercare.gov is that is only reports upon Medicare-certified home health providers. In many states, including California, that means that almost 100% of the companies that provide home care / companion services (i.e., respite services) will NOT be included on eldercare.gov! In those situations, you have to look elsewhere. One of the best ways to proceed in that case is to do Google searches that describe the services that you want to find AND the geographic region that you're looking in. An example of such a Google search phrase is "Caregivers in Carlsbad, CA".Tim Collinghttp://www.trustworthycare.com
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