Originally posted August 15, 2017.

If you are caring for someone else, you need to take care of yourself. No matter how much you love your job, you still need a break. A break can be something as simple as a long walk outside alone. A break can also be spending a week away at the beach with loved ones who you are not providing home care to. Taking breaks and vacations will make you a better caregiver. We can all relate to feeling over-worked, overwhelmed and tired. These feelings do not create a good caregiver. When we are well rested, relaxed and energized we are a much better caregiver. We owe it to the ones we are caring for to take care of ourselves.

So when you want to get away to the Jersey Shore for a week, what do you do? The first thing might be to have another family member step in. Have mom or dad stay with your brother or sister for the week.

This provides an economic advantage but more importantly it will give your sibling some perspective as well as empathy. Unfortunately a lot of us do not have siblings that can step in, so that leaves three other options: Home Care, Adult Day Care and Assisted Living Respite Care.

Home Care: Home Care agencies can provide a professional caregiver to be with your loved one in the home anywhere from 4 hours a day to live-in 24/7. There are full service agencies, consumer directed agencies and private hire options. The caregiver can help with all aspects of personal care, homemaking as well as socialization.

Adult Day Care: Adult Day Care is similar to going to school or day camp. Your loved one spends part of the day at the center and is involved in socialization with other seniors. They provide personal care and nursing services as well as activities and group meal time.

Assisted Living Respite Care: Assisted Living Facilities have respite programs where your loved one moves in for a set time, one week for example. During that time it’s as if your loved one is a regular resident at that facility. There are planned meals and activities. Also this option can let you and your loved one have an up-close and personal evaluation of a facility or community you may be considering for a long term solution.

Please remember, we all need a break.