What are some of the common conditions affecting people who have caregivers?
Some of the more obvious ones are Alzheimer’s or other related dementias in senior citizens. “We also think of people with disabilities, mental retardation and physical disabilities,” says Edgar. There’s a great need for respite in families who have individuals with mental illness or severe emotional disorders. Another use of respite is help for single parent, or families where there is violence and/or substance abuse whose children are at high risk for abuse and neglect.
Why do caregivers need to give themselves a break?
One of the things seen in caregivers who do not get a break is health problems. These caregivers tend to not get proper sleep and maybe don’t have time to exercise, eat right or do other things that promote good health. They might not be able to get out to their own doctors’ appointments. This poses a real risk to the dependent family member because if the caregiver becomes ill, then who’s going to take care of the dependent family member?
Caregivers also suffer from depression and isolation. There are issues involving relationships with other family members and spouses. The siblings of the child with a lot of disabilities may feel like that child gets the most of the caregiver’s attention. And the caregiver might feel that way as well. Respite can help them spend time with their children who do not have a disability.
Are caregivers who are working also in need of respite?
It is hard for caregivers who are working outside the home because a lot of people will say, "Oh, well, that is their respite. They get out to go to work." But if you’re working all day long in a job, and then you come home and you’re working all night long caring for a dependent family member, that isn’t a break.
