Respite: Improve the quality of your care by taking a break

Most people who work full- or part-time have the flexibility in their jobs to take time off. Many people receive paid time off when they are sick, take a vacation or need time to deal with personal needs, like doctor’s appointments.

There’s one job where time off is not given but needed most. Caregiving is a physically, mentally and emotionally grueling occupation, where you never clock out or receive a break. It’s also one of the most common roles a person can find themselves in. More than 65 million Americans, or about 1 in 3 people, provide some level of care to a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend. One-quarter of all caregivers, about 16.1 million people, care for a person living with dementia.

While time off seems impossible for caregivers, it does not have to be. Respite services are available statewide to help relieve the burden felt by caregivers. Though some individuals and families pay for services out of pocket, many people receive respite through Medicaid or their Medicaid Managed Care program, Veterans Administration, or receive funds through their area agency on aging (see the list of offices on the facing page).

Respite is planned, temporary relief for caregivers through the use of substitute care. These options include:

• Companion services to provide companionship and supervised activities
• Personal care or home health aide services to provide assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
• Homemaker or maid services to help with laundry, shopping and preparing meals
• Skilled care services to help with medication and other medical services

The benefits of respite are many. It provides caregivers peace of mind while they are at work. Caregivers can schedule appointments, connect with friends or take time for themselves with the knowledge that the person they care for is safe.

Respite is an important resource for dementia caregivers.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures, 59 percent of dementia caregivers report high to very high levels of emotional stress due to caregiving. Dementia caregivers also have disproportinately higher rates of depression, anixety, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Alzheimer’s caregivers in New York have total health care costs that are $881 million higher than non-caregivers.