Written by: Suzanna Smith
My 90-year-old grandmother lived with my mom and dad in her final years. She was comfortable there and had the help, support and affection she needed.
My parents prepared healthy meals for her, took her shopping, to doctor’s appointments, and to visit friends. My grandmother knew she was safe, secure, and loved.
My family is a lot like many other families in the U.S. who are taking care of older adults. In fact, families are more likely to provide long term care than nursing homes, social service agencies, or government programs.
Caring for family members brings many rewards, such as the sense of giving back to a parent, and the chance for families to grow closer. However, many caregivers experience immense stress and feelings of burden, high rates of depression, and feelings of anger and anxiety (AoA, 2004).
As with any demanding job, especially one that is 24/7, sometimes, “even the caregiver needs a break, a rest, or a breather” (Administration on Aging, 2003, p. 1). For caregivers this break from their daily responsibilities is called “respite.” Typically respite care is a service provided by an agency or facility that allows the caregiver time away. Depending on what the caregiver and loved one need, it might take place in the home, an adult day-care center or over a longer period of time, in a nursing home or an assisted facility” (AoA, 2004, p. 1).
This break gives the caregiver time to do what they need, such as go shopping, take care of their own health care needs, or simply visit with friends. This often enables the caregiver to continue to care for loved ones.
Available respite care varies from state to state. To find out more about what is available in your state, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or your local elder care services provider.
Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.
Notes
Local AAA’s are generally listed in the city or county government sections of the telephone directory under “Aging” or “Social Services.” AoA supports a nationwide, toll-free information and assistance directory called the Eldercare Locator, which can locate the appropriate AAA to help an individual needing assistance for their loved ones, relatives, or friends. Older persons and caregivers can call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.References
Administration on Aging (2003). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Family Caregiver Support Program. Retrieved May 11, 2006 from http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/press/fact/pdf/ss_nfcsp.doc.
Administration on Aging. (2004). Respite: What caregivers need most. Retrieved May 11, 2006 from http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/press/fact/alpha/fact_respite.asp
