“Respite is the period of time when the stress and responsibility is temporarily transferred to a trained provider so one may enjoy that time with peace of mind.”
~ Caregiver Focus Group Participant, 2001
How do caregivers achieve respite? Plan it Respite!
Caregivers told VON Canada that in order to experience respite, caregivers must first:
- Establish a balance between their needs and the needs of person they are caring for.
- Feel like they are ‘partners in care’ with an open relationship with providers to share information, communicate, and work together.
- Have time to get to know the provider and the provider time to get to know them.
- Have a ‘family like’ relationship with providers and trust their ability to do good work.
- Have control over their home environment.
- Have access to supports from other family members and other community supports and services.
Therefore, as a caregiver, you must:
- Recognize the need to get out.
- Give yourself permission to get away.
- Know what is available to you to allow you to get away.
What is Respite? Do it Respite!
Respite means different things to different people. Respite can take on many forms. Respite can happen in the home or in a community setting. Traditional respite services provided by VON include in-home respite, adult day programs, and facility or overnight respite. Respite can be provided by paid providers or from other family members and friends. What is important that you take the time and effort to plan for respite as part of your caregiving responsibility and then take the steps to actually follow through with your plan.
Respite can be:
- A short mental break, having a cup of tea uninterrupted.
- A ‘stolen moment.’
- A few hours to run errands, meet a friend, have a rest.
- A day or two away or a week or two for an extended break.
What does respite mean to you?
How do you know you are experiencing ‘respite as outcome’? Feel it Respite!
For many caregivers, it is not the quantity of time for respite, but the quality of the time way that is important to experiencing ‘respite as outcome.’
Write down what respite feels like for you.
What needs to be in place for you to experience ‘respite as outcome?
Who can help you achieve respite as outcome?
Remember - Respite is not selfish; it is essential!