6 Tips for Arranging Respite
This article is part of our series on respite.
You can find our other articles on this topic on Eugeria.ca:
- The Importance of Respite for Caregivers
- What Are Your Respite Options?
- Benefits of Respite and Why You Should Get It Now
Arranging respite can sometimes feel like an impossible task! Between feeling guilty for needing help and worrying about entrusting your loved one to someone else, it is easy to give up before you even begin. However, respite is necessary for all caregivers. Here are 6 tips that can help you make time for some well-deserved respite.
1. Reframe how you view respite
You may think that you should be able to “do it all”. Seeking help does not mean you have failed. It’s important to remember that respite benefits the recipient of care as well as the caregiver. Reframe how you think about respite time and stop that feeling of guilt from taking over. Ask yourself: if you had a task at work and you needed the help of someone with a specific skill, you would ask for their input; if your schedule was double-booked and you couldn’t look after your kids, you would hire a babysitter. So why not have someone help you with your caregiving duties?
2. Trustworthy options exist
You may be concerned about trusting someone else to take care of your loved one. Decrease your anxiety by asking the agency or facility about their qualifications, certifications or trainings. If you’re hiring someone independently, interview the person thoroughly and check their references. You can also check Eugeria’s website where each service provider has been vetted by our team!
3. Make it a habit
However you arrange for respite – and it will take some effort on your part – commit to taking respite time regularly. You can plan for the same day every week or the same hour every day, but commit to taking some much-needed time off. Having a routine is key!
4. Think of fun activities to do
A common mistake for caregivers is not identifying what they will do during respite time. Make a list of activities you would like to do. Caregivers tend to focus on must-do tasks, but also take some time for leisure. Reading? Painting? Writing? Gardening? Taking a bubble bath? Don’t simply block time in your calendar, think what fun activities you’ll do to recharge your batteries.
5. Make a budget
You may be concerned about the cost of respite services. If you plan to use a private service, make a budget and stick to it! If you have a limited budget, look into financial assistance such as government programs, scholarships, sliding scale fees or your local associations (such as the Alzheimer’s Association) to learn what kind of financial help may be available to you.
6. Plan ahead
It is important to recognize in advance high-stress moments that will require you take some time for yourself. For example, a change in living arrangements (e.g. the person you are caring for transitions from the hospital to a home setting) will be a high-stress period for all involved. It’s a good idea to plan in advance for respite, to help both you and the person you are caring for with this transition.
Remember that it is important to take care of yourself in order for you to take care of your loved one!
Learn more about this topic
- To learn more on the importance of respite, read our article:
- To learn more about your options for taking some respite, see our article:
- To learn more about the benefits of respite, read our article:
