Respite care: a break for the person doing the caregiving

Family caregivers put off their own doctor visits, sleep, and friendships. Burnout isn’t a character flaw. It’s what happens when one person carries a job that runs day and night. Short, regular breaks work better than waiting until you’re at the end of your rope.

Signs it’s time

• You sleep badly because you’re listening for your spouse at night
• You’ve cancelled your own medical appointments
• You snap at the person you care for, then feel guilty
• You haven’t seen a friend in months
• You’re getting sick more often than you used to

• Do the consultation before you need it. With a care plan already on file, a break can be arranged much faster.
• Try a short first shift while you’re home. Your parent meets the caregiver with you there, which makes the first real break easier.
• Write down the routine. Meals, medication times, bedtime, favorite shows, and what calms them when they’re upset.
• Leave phone numbers. Doctors, the pharmacy, a neighbor, and where you’ll be.
• Expect an adjustment. People with dementia may be unsettled for a day or two. A familiar caregiver helps, so use the same one each time if you can.

Hourly respite is billed at our hourly rate, $40 to $48 an hour. For overnight and week-long respite, the price depends on how the care is staffed.

Longer stays are staffed either as hourly shifts or as live-in days, and that choice is what drives the price. Which one fits depends on whether your parent sleeps through the night and how many days you need. Tell us the dates and we’ll quote it both ways so you can see the difference.