| Experts in the field of geriatric care estimate | | | | Respite care, temporary time away from care |
| there are 44+ million family caregivers in the | | | | giving, is an option geriatric care managers can |
| United States; approximately 23 million households. | | | | help find. These short-term programs allow the |
| Family caregivers provide long-term care in the | | | | caregiver to get much needed and deserved time |
| home of those with chronic illness or disabilities. | | | | to rest, relax and recharge as well as attend to |
| Assuming the role of a family caregiver can | | | | important business matters that may have been |
| involve love, compassion, obligation, guilt, pride and | | | | put off. |
| even financial circumstances. Whatever the | | | | Many assisted living communities offer respite |
| motivation, it is a difficult task which sometimes | | | | stay programs which include apartments and |
| finds caregivers substituting the close family | | | | services for a defined short period of time such |
| relationship, like mother-daughter, for a | | | | as 5-10 days. If they are able, guests are |
| patient-health care provider relationship. Geriatric | | | | welcome to participate in activities and meals with |
| care managers can provide guidance and support | | | | other residents of the community. Geriatric care |
| for family caregivers. | | | | managers can help interpret the respite stay |
| Life's Challenges | | | | agreement which should spell out the services |
| Trying to balance work, caring for children and | | | | included and costs. There may be an initial resident |
| family and the special long-term care needs of a | | | | assessment to make certain the community staff |
| loved one doesn't leave much time to research | | | | is able to match care needs with services. If the |
| and find resources and support. Sometimes a | | | | needs are greater than the assisted living |
| tired but dedicated family caregiver may find it | | | | community is able to offer, geriatric care |
| difficult to reach out - asking for help does not | | | | managers may suggest respite services at a |
| mean you have failed. | | | | nursing home. These respite services are designed |
| Journaling | | | | for individuals with more medically complex needs. |
| Journaling is a good place for caregivers to gain | | | | Respite in the Home |
| some perspective on the situation and | | | | Some home care, home health care and |
| themselves. B. Lynn Goodwin, author of "You | | | | community social service organizations offer |
| Want Me To Do What? Journaling for Caregivers", | | | | in-home respite services. Geriatric care managers |
| explains why caregivers should journal. "Journals | | | | can help families find these services and provide |
| never argue. They let you vent, expound, | | | | support during the selection process. Special |
| rationalize, elaborate, and imagine best and worst | | | | attention should be paid to caregiver qualifications |
| outcomes. They let you breathe. A journal | | | | and training and how the organization monitors |
| welcomes your questions and invites you to | | | | care services while the family caregiver is gone. |
| explore and analyze possible answers. Journals | | | | Day Services |
| never talk back. Journals let you finish your | | | | Respite day services can be found at some adult |
| thoughts and offer silent, unconditional | | | | day care or community centers. This is a good |
| acceptance." What caregivers learn about | | | | option especially for family caregivers who work |
| themselves through journaling can be beneficial | | | | outside the home. Services may include: health, |
| when reaching out to a geriatric care manager for | | | | therapeutic and social activity programs. Some |
| help. | | | | centers offer services specifically for those with |
| Caring for the Caregiver | | | | Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Once |
| Most family caregivers are not trained | | | | again geriatric care managers can help sort out all |
| professionals. Mastering tasks like assistance with | | | | the options and match programs with needs. |
| daily living activities (e.g. bathing and dressing) the | | | | Family caregivers will find the National Adult Day |
| individual may be on-the-job training. Each day | | | | Services Association web site very helpful. |
| brings new challenges; doctor appointments, | | | | Support and Information |
| transfers from bed to wheelchair, meals, mental | | | | One of the best support organizations for family |
| stimulation beyond the television. And if the | | | | caregivers is the National Alliance for Caregiving. |
| caregiver is part of the sandwich generation it can | | | | Their web site has a wealth of information and |
| take a toll on body, mind and spirit. | | | | resources including publications and tips. |
| Respite Programs | | | | |