You're Not Alone in This Journey
It's not hard to understand why someone volunteers to care for a family member. A study at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health found that 67% of caregivers believe they developed a better relationship with their loved one, gained a stronger appreciation for life, discovered strengths they never knew they had, and felt they'd accomplished something important.
The Reality of Caregiver Stress
While caregiving can be meaningful and rewarding, studies also indicate that almost all caregivers experience significant stress. According to research by Penn State human development professor Dr. Stephen Zarit:
40% - 70% of Caregivers Are Significantly Stressed
The majority of family caregivers experience high levels of chronic stress from caregiving responsibilities
50% Meet Criteria for Major Depression
Half of stressed caregivers meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression
Emotional Challenges Are Normal
Feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, and overwhelm are common caregiver experiences
Caregivers who experience these strong emotions are far from alone. This is why respite care is so essential.
What is Respite Care?
"Respite care" provides relief or a break from the constant demands of caring for a dependent family member. This temporary care goes a long way in helping a caregiver re-establish a sense of self, connect with friends, and enjoy the hobbies and activities that put spark into their lives.
Flexible Scheduling
From a few hours to several days, respite care can be tailored to your specific needs and schedule.
In-Home Care
Your loved one stays comfortable at home while you take time for yourself.
Trusted Caregivers
Experienced, bonded, and insured caregivers who understand your loved one's specific needs.
Proven Benefits of Respite Care
Respite care has been scientifically proven to provide significant benefits for both caregivers and their loved ones:
- Reduce Stress in the Family: Temporary relief helps prevent caregiver burnout and family conflict
- Reduce Risk of Abuse and Neglect: Well-rested caregivers provide better, more patient care
- Provide Stimulation: Your loved one gets the benefit of a new face and fresh conversation
- Community Connection: Helps caregivers stay involved in their communities for support
- Improve Attitudes: Regular breaks help caregivers maintain positive relationships with their loved ones
- Enable Reconnection: Time apart allows for more meaningful time together
- Support Home Care: Enables families to continue caring for loved ones at home longer
- Avoid Facility Costs: Helps delay or prevent expensive long-term care facility placement
Affording Respite Care
Family-owned Love 2 Live - Home Care Services has worked hard to become a resource in San Diego, compiling information about senior services, activities, and government and non-profit agencies. We've compiled a list of state and local agencies as well as non-profits that help families arrange funding for respite care.
Even if you don't need the exact services Love 2 Live provides, we can most likely connect you with a county or state entity, a non-profit or another service that can help with your specific situation and funding needs.
Getting Started with Respite Care
Arranging respite care with Love 2 Live all starts with a no-obligation in-home assessment. Together we explore daily routines, medical issues, favorite activities and more. Often, when we arrive at a home requesting respite care, we find the family caregiver incredibly relieved just to talk to us and make a connection with someone who understands the intense challenges they handle each day.
Love 2 Live also helps caregivers connect with local support groups and resources. Families are welcome to start with just one day or afternoon each week.
"If you're ready to give yourself and the one you care for the gift of time apart, remember that asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Professional respite care can transform your caregiving experience and help you provide better care for your loved one."— Love 2 Live Respite Care Philosophy