Planning Respite for Family Caregivers

Why plan a break

Caregiving is hard work. AARP reports that many family caregivers find their own health and their money situation have suffered. If you are worried about your own health, talk to your doctor.

Start early

Look for help before you are exhausted. Some programs have waiting lists. It also helps to have a backup plan, because emergency respite can be hard to find. Think about who would step in if you suddenly fell ill.

Decide what you need

• How much time off would help you recharge?
• What does your loved one need while you are away? Think meals, bathing, company and safety.
• Who could step in?
• What can you afford?

Ways to get a break

• Family and friends. Ask for specific tasks, and let each person pick what fits their life.
• Volunteers, such as people from your place of worship or a community program.
• A paid caregiver who visits the home for a brief stretch, hired through an agency or directly.
• An adult day program outside the home. These are supervised daytime programs. Some offer extra health services for people with higher needs.
• An overnight or longer stay away from home.

Talking with family

A family meeting can make a plan real. Say plainly what you need. Name tasks, such as a ride, a meal or an afternoon of company. People often want to help but do not know how. A simple shared calendar lets each person pick a task that fits their life.

If it feels hard to ask

Many caregivers worry about trust and quality when someone else steps in. That is normal. If you can, visit a program or meet a caregiver before the first day. It can also help to talk about your own needs with a support group or a trusted person, not only your loved one's needs. If your loved one has dementia, your local Alzheimer's Association chapter may have ideas.

Make the break work

• Write down instructions for whoever steps in: daily routine, meals and emergency contacts.
• Introduce your loved one to the helper before the break, when you can.
• If many people are helping, use a shared online calendar, such as Lotsa Helping Hands or CareCalendar.

Plan for emergencies

Emergency respite is short-term help during a crisis. It might last an hour or stretch to a few weeks, but supply is limited. Learn what is near you now, while things are calm. Keep a short list of people to call, and tell them they are on it.

Before the break begins

• Instructions are written down.
• Emergency contacts are easy to find.
• The helper has met your loved one.
• A backup person is named.
• You know when you will be back.

Find programs near you

The Area Agency on Aging for your area is a good place to start. You can reach it through the Eldercare Locator. The federal Lifespan Respite Care Program supports state and local respite services, and the National Family Caregiver Support Program helps fund local ones. Veterans may also qualify for respite through the VA.

Rules and eligibility vary, and they change over time. Check current details with each program.

Next step

Sparrow Haven Home Care offers Respite Care: planned relief for family caregivers. Every client gets an individualized consultation before services are finalized. Call (734) 436-3770 or schedule a consultation .

More guides

• What Is Non-Medical Home Care?
• Questions to Ask When Choosing a Home Care Provider
• Making a Home Safer for an Older Adult