By Renee Kuhlman, Family Consultant
Coast Caregiver Resource Center
As a Family Consultant for Coast Caregiver Resource Center (CCRC), I often get asked, what is respite care? The term respite care is used to describe a short-term break for caregivers. Someone else steps in temporarily to care for your loved one while you get time for yourself to do what you need to do for YOU!
Why do you need respite? If you are caring for someone that requires 24/7 supervision you may not be able to leave the house for your own self-care, including your own doctor appointments. Setting up regular scheduled respite means that you can make appointments for your own health care and personal needs so you stay healthy to provide the care to your loved one. Breaks from caregiving are essential to long-term care, otherwise, you may experience burnout, frustration, or worsening health conditions.
Who provides respite?
- In-home care agencies provide a caregiver in your own home to stay with your loved one while you attend to your own needs.
- Adult Day Care centers offer socialization, activities, and meals. You drop off your loved one for half-day or full-day care.
- Limited extended stays in care facilities may also be available. Your loved is provided a safe environment to reside for several days to weeks at a time.
- Family and friends also may be available to provide supervision to your loved one while you attend to your own needs.
Please visit the CCRC resource page for individual respite care websites.
If you are needing guidance and or assistance with locating a respite provider please contact Coast Caregiver Resource Center, a program of Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital at 805-569-8950 or ccrc@sbch.org. Eligible clients may also receive short-term financial assistance to pay for respite.
