Respite Care

Respite care is one or more of a variety of services for caregivers and families, often availed of by those who care for seniors due to their illness or injury. Respite care takes place both in-home and out-of-home and in-home and can be for periods as short as a few hours at day-care facilities, or up to a week or more at assisted living or similar centers. This depends on the need and the resources available. Besides care for the patient, there are therapy services and online support groups for the caregivers themselves.

It can be a significant challenge to find someone trustworthy to provide respite care. Caring for a loved one who has severe physical disabilities can require attention 24 hours per day. Respite care most often happens in a family’s own home, where volunteer or professional caregivers afford primary caregivers opportunities to take time for themselves—to go to doctor, shop, or just to visit with someone else.

Respites provide relaxation and peace of mind; some stability that enables a family to deal with relentless pressures; time away from responsibilities; and the enrichment that’s possible when a caregiver is freed to pursue his or her own growth and development.