There are steps to assist you with selecting a local respite provider that meets your family's needs.Respite is your time as a caregiver for self-care.Your time to respect yourself and your role as a caregiver.
R espite, which originates from the Latin word 'respectus', literally means consideration, the act of looking back (or often) at oneself. It is also no coincidence that 'respectus' is the Latin origin for the term, respect. For some, the idea of looking back with consideration and taking respite may not require any particular effort. To the 39.8 million family caregivers in the US, however, respite has become a lifeline. An opportunity for reflection and rest, respite services are available to the caregivers of individuals with support needs across the lifespan. This short-term break, which can either be planned or on an emergency basis, allows family caregivers to take intermittent breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite can be provided in a variety of settings, including but not limited to: one's own home, the home of a respite provider, a group home, a supervised apartment, day care centers, adult day programs, and camps.
The idea of having to search for respite providers may sound like a daunting task, however, including respite care into your families' schedule can actually restore stability within your home. Caregivers often report returning to their caregiving responsibilities renewed and with a new pep in their step as a result of just a couple of hours of respite per week. "I feel closer to my son…because I have time to do my own thing and it helps me refill my cup with patience," says a family caregiver. Respite care tends to be much more effective when combined with other services and supports, and is recommended during all forms of person-centered planning.
Trained respite providers deliver professional, safe, respectful and culturally competent care that continuously assesses and effectively responds to the needs of your loved one in a personcentered and empowering manner. Each state maintains a diverse pool of respite providers who have the skillset to meet the needs of the families. Irrespective of this, each family retains the right to select, hire and train their own preferred respite provider.
F or some, healthy respite may include an hour of meditation and self-reflection. In an age where the practice of Mindfulness is recognized as a key tool to help people reduce anxiety, enjoy life in the moment, discover genuine joy, and to generally be present in mind, body, and spirit; it should come as no surprise why services such as respite care are so critical for caregivers today. Mindfulness teaches us to be present in the moment and Acknowledging self-aware.
Acknowledging self-aware. and accepting the roles we play in the lives of our loved ones, mindfulness teaches us to be aware of the impact that our presence or absence of selfawareness can have on those around us and on the daily choices we make. Respite creates a space in time where the quest for self-awareness as a caregiver is acceptable and encouraged.
Ninety-four percent of family caregivers have found respite to be a helpful resource, reporting improved physical health, improved emotional This dramatic rise in the number of unpaid family caregivers nationwide has prompted an increased recognition among policymakers (many of whom are very familiar with the daily roles of a caregiver) of the need for services and supports for caregivers. In September, the Senate passed the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act of 2017 (S.1028/HR.3759). The RAISE Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop, maintain and update a national strategy to recognize and support family caregivers. The Act which will also encourage public input and participation, is now awaiting passage through the House of Representatives. Similar activities have occurred at the state level, as the New Respite is youR time to place youR physical and emotional well-being health and reduced stress when they have access to respite. During respite, you may find yourself getting some much-needed rest and relaxation, caring for personal needs, running errands, or engaging in social activities for enjoyment and enrichment.
Respite is your time as a caregiver to put yourself first. Family caregiver: "The respite provides us with the relief not to get burned out, so that we can continue to care for (our loved one) in our home where we would like him to be."
People are generally living longer lives, and the rates of seniors fiRst, youR time foR Rest and, most impoRtant, it's youR time to Reclaim. with multiple chronic conditions, disabilities and/or mental health conditions are continuing to rise. Today, more people than ever before are providing 24/7 direct care and support to a loved one. In many instances, an individual may find themselves playing the role of a caregiver during multiple phases of their lives, an example of this is becoming a caregiver for a parent who is part of the baby boomer generation, and then later in life becoming a caregiver for an aging spouse, a family member who is a veteran, or a child/grandchild who has a special need.
This dramatic rise in the number of unpaid family caregivers nationwide has prompted an increased recognition among policymakers (many of whom are very familiar with the daily roles of a caregiver) of the need for services and supports for caregivers. In September, the Senate passed the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act of 2017 (S.1028/HR.3759). The RAISE Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop, maintain and update a national strategy to recognize and support family caregivers. The Act which will also encourage public input and participation, is now awaiting passage through the House of Representatives.
Similar activities have occurred at the state level, as the New Jersey Caregiver Taskforce Bill (NJ S2877/ A1463) which aims to evaluate caregiver support services in the State and provide recommendations for the improvement and expansion of such services, sailed through the Senate in June and is awaiting passage through the Assembly. The ultimate goal of each of these policies is to ensure that family caregivers are effectively supported in their critical role in the livelihood of a loved one. On October 11, 2018, The Family Resource Network will be putting such ideals to action by inviting health providers, innovators, and family caregivers to the National Caregivers Conference in Iselin, New Jersey. This conference creates a platform for you, the family caregiver, to speak directly to innovators in the health and technology fields as we work together to find solutions to the daily challenges faced by you and your loved ones. History has shown us that the continued commitment to the plight of all caregivers can truly result in the transformation of how we envision care. In 2006, Congress passed the Lifespan Respite Care Act which established coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children and adults of all ages with special needs. These systems and support services are now accessed by millions of caregivers nationwide who recognize the importance of respite.
Respite is your time as a caregiver for self-care, your time to respect yourself and your role as a caregiver, your time to place your physical and emotional well-being first, your time for rest and, most important, it's your time to reclaim. When you take the time to reconnect with self, you will find that the transformation in your energy signature will result in a greater sense of peace, compassion, empathy and love in action for you and your loved one.•
