Respite care is available for those who care for a member of the family having disease or disabilities in order ease the stress and strain of the primary caregiver.
Respite may be of a temporary nature, or long-term.
You can choose from overnight, to short-term, extended period, or on as needed basis.
Administered by various programs including organizations like the Alzheimer's Association and Cerebral Palsy Organization, or local churches and non-profit groups, respite is also commonly provided by friends, extended family members, neighbors, or community volunteers.
Respite care outside the home is available in respite family day care, family care homes, residential facilities, parent coops and respite camps.
Caregiver online forums can also be a comforting support arena; many like minded individuals gather together to help one another with specific problems or just offer a caring virtual ear.
In terms of affordability, services for respite may be publicly funded, or charge fees on sliding scales based on level of income.
Some are operated by non-profit organizations, and receive donations, family caregiver grants, or state or federal funds, although the state funded respite organizations typically have eligibility requirements to apply for services.
Families gain from respite care through getting to relax.
They get a little peace of mind, when they can enjoy the pastimes and activities they otherwise wouldn't have had time for.
These services can actually improve a family's capacity to deal with the tasks of caring for someone with a difficult condition; this maintains family coherence under threat of having a member institutionized.
Another way respite services help- they ease feelings of isolation.
Family members can once again be involved in the community thanks to the respite giver.
They can catch a vacation without worrying about demands for caring for the individual.
The person being cared for has the chance to form new relationships and move from dependence to interdependence.