Respite Care May Be The Answer If Family Caregiver Needs Break

By Shawn McGrath

Are you or someone you know in need of short-term respite care?

Probably so, given that in 2007 there were over 50 million family caregivers nationwide. Unfortunately, many of these caregivers are unaware of what respite care is, much less of the benefits it can provide…or how it can be obtained.

Respite care is a service that provides temporary relief for family members from the ongoing responsibility of caring for an elder or person with a disability.

However, that definition does not come close to covering the depth of benefits to be obtained by just being able to “take a break.”

These include strengthening the family unit, decreasing stress, reducing the incidence of neglect and abuse due to caregiver stress, and the cost-effective solution of situations that can otherwise devastate families.

Unfortunately, the lack of respite availability often leaves caregivers overtaxed, and may even hasten the decision to move loved ones into a permanent facility.

Too often, if a respite care option is utilized, it may be a case of too little, too late.

We have to remember that care giving, even for a family member, is a job, a taxing job. And respite is not only an earned right, but a requirement to being able to do that job well.

In addition to the stress, there often is a hidden financial cost in that the family caregiver may be taken out of the job market or—without benefit of a respite break—may find his or her job performance suffers.

For respite care to be effective, it must be employed as a preventive service focusing equally on the health and mental well-being of the caregiver, the individual being cared for, and the family. When respite is used correctly, the family unit is strengthened in such a way as to delay or prevent the need for long-term placement.

The key is to find a short-term facility that can meet the individual needs of guests while providing round-the-clock medical care.

The best way for caregivers to be there for a loved one is to remember to take care of themselves.

(Mr. McGrath is Service Coordinator at Nurturing Nest Inn for Respite Care in Falmouth, 508-540 – 4454.)