Millions of caregivers throughout our country are putting in long hours, putting up with very difficult circumstances, including difficult aging loved ones, and have little or no relief. If you don’t have much money to spare, how can you get a break? Do you dare give yourself one?

Consider giving yourself the gift of respite, or rest, temporarily, from your caregiving duties. If you are able to manage it financially, hiring a home care agency to come in a few hours a day or week can give you the much needed break. Many Home care agencies can also do longer time in the home if you are planning a vacation, so your loved one can stay in the place they call home and you can enjoy your vacation.

The same kind of respite care may be available at long-term care (skilled nursing care) facilities, and adult day care services, if these are in your area. The cost is often reasonable, though it varies a great deal among states and regions.  If you are a caregiver, either part-time or full-time, you deserve a vacation now and then, just as everyone does from any other job. Find a way to take it, and there is no need for guilty feelings.

If you don’t have the money to pay for respite care at a facility, it is possible to apply for a grant. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, part of the Alzheimer’s Association, makes a limited number of Family Respite Care Grants available for families who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. There are application deadlines in spring and fall. See http://www.alzfdn.org/ for details.

While no one can take care of an aging loved one the way you can, others are quite capable of giving you some relief. If your own family is unable or unwilling to help give you a rest from your duties, go outside the family in every way possible. This may take some work, but it’s worth the effort. If you need to give yourself an excuse because you feel you “should” be available non-stop for an aging loved one, think about loving yourself enough to allow a rest. A break can recharge your batteries and help you keep going on the journey ahead.

MAS Home Care can provide quality care for your loved one and a peace of mind for you. Give us a call today to learn how.