Respite Redefined

Respite is often (only) defined as having a person come in to take care of a loved one while the family caregiver takes time for themselves. Respite can also include the moments, minutes, hours, days, and weeks that are filled with, or emptied of the activities a caregiver chooses in order to get refreshed, rejuvenated, reignited and relaxed.

 It could mean fifteen minutes alone on the sofa, a ten-minute drive around your neighborhood, window shopping and lunch with your besties, or a weekend at Six Flags with the grandkids.

Respite is what YOU need for YOU!

Respite Is NOT Respite If:

Your loved one is not being lovingly cared for while you are away.

Do your due diligence to have competent caring people you can always depend upon to take care of your loved one.

You continuously worry if your loved one is happy and enjoying themselves during your absence.

Of course, you want your mom to be happy and to be enjoying herself when you’re not around. But it’s OK if she’s not, as long as she is being lovingly taken care of in your absence. These don’t always go hand in hand.

You’re using that time to do things that add on even more stress, anxiety and burnout.

House cleaning, finishing reports, helping with homework, etc. can be respite; but only if it leaves you feeling more relaxed, at peace, more refreshed, and more energized to continue doing what you need to be done.

You use that time to worry about your loved one, thinking no one can manage her/his needs like you.

Even if this is true, “claiming your time”, is a good thing and caregivers must not let feelings of guilt or pride stand in the way of doing just that.

You are continuously calling or coming back to check on your loved one, knowing they are in good hands.

You will wish you hadn’t when your time for “respite” quickly comes to an end, and believe me...it will!