What is Respite Care?, And Where Can I Find It?

Respite care is defined as “temporary institutional care of a dependent elderly, ill, or otherwise handicapped person, providing relief for their usual caregiver.” 

If you are a caregiver for a family member who is suffering from a memory loss illness, you are likely aware of how draining the responsibility can be in countless different ways. On one hand, you know your family member needs you, but on the other, you feel like you are running empty – physically, financially, and most commonly, emotionally. 

The stressful nature of caregiving is what gave rise to respite care. Caregivers are essentially living to care for someone else for most of their daily life. While this can be a rewarding position, it undoubtedly takes a toll, resulting in the expert-recommended need for occasional breaks. This can come as a day to yourself every week, a week to go on vacation, or an indefinite break to reset yourself personally. Whatever it looks like, studies show that using respite care is essential for healthy, effective, happy caregiving. 

How Do I Get Respite Care?

One way to get relief from the full-time job of caregiving is to try to share the responsibility with other family members. Be honest with your loved ones and explain that you need an occasional break, in order to stay healthy and keep caregiving. However, for many families, this is out of the question, so you may need to seek outside respite care.

In the Austin area, The Cottages offer respite care options. They are an Alzheimer’s and memory care assisted living facility. They recognize the need for a break for caregivers, along with the need to change those living with a memory disorder’s surroundings and activities occasionally, to maintain alertness. As a result, they essentially offer three types of stays at their residences:

● Full-time

● Respite– indefinite stay

● Day respite– one day where the patient participates in all of The Cottage’s meals and daily activities 

In the end, the stressfulness that comes with being a caregiver is very highly recognized within the medical world, but often overlooked otherwise. Take the time you need, whatever time that may be, to care for yourself while someone else cares for your loved one.