Caregiver Relief

"Despite the useful caregiving strategies many of you share, clearly the stress of caregiving is the most consistent theme in your recent comments. In my experience, one of the most significant ways caregivers cope is by taking regular breaks." Angela Lunde, Mayo Clinic.

This week's Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Newsletter has some excellent suggestions about the importance of having caregiver relief, how to do it, and to do it sooner rather than later.  The author recommends getting respite care in long before the caregiver thinks it is necessary, and to not elicit the permission of the care receiver in securing respite care (saying we will never get permission from them).  She suggests instead to say something, such as, "I am having Martha come in because I need some help."  She also says that guilt and denial are the leading reasons, along with the financial burden, for not getting respite for ourselves.  I agree completely!  For our own well being, as well as that of the person for whom we provide care, let us create consistent and thoughtful respite for ourselves.

To read the entire article:    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/respite-care-strategies/MY01811/?utm_source=Alzheimers&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TargetedNewsletter