We’ve all been there. Tight deadlines at work, laundry piling up, your family’s favorite foods are running low in the fridge, and doctors’ appointments and soccer practice on opposite sides of town have somehow overlapped…again.
It’s hard to find time to stop our minds from racing and take some time to recharge. For parents and caregivers of loved ones with disabilities, it’s especially difficult. Research from the Cleveland Clinic shows stress and burnout can affect more than 60% of caregivers, making it harder for them to provide empathetic care, connect with significant others, and support any other children or dependents in the home.
What is burnout?
Caregiver burnout is the result of constant caregiving for one or more people, and is marked by significant emotional, mental and even physical exhaustion. Many caregivers experience bouts of burnout, however parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities often have more responsibilities than the typical household. From booking appointments, to giving medications, to physical lifting and moving of the loved one, the obligations quickly stack up and isolation can often develop.
While experiencing burnout, health can deteriorate and the potential for depression can increase, which can lead to poor decision-making and unintentional mistakes. These not only impact the caregiver, but dependent loved ones under their care as well.
Why is respite necessary?
Respite is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Plain and simple. It’s the equivalent of making sure you put your oxygen mask on first if the airplane is losing cabin pressure—in a nutshell, you can’t properly care for others if you yourself are not being cared for.
When you have respite time scheduled, some recommended self-care activities that parents and caregivers can do to refresh their energy levels and strengthen their bonds can include:
- Enjoying a date together – For caregivers in relationships, having time to connect romantically can not only be fun (dinner and a movie, yes please!) but can remind a couple that they’re a team. This feeling of connectedness can reduce friction at home and increase shared empathy.
- Spending time with other family members – Caregivers can also have other children, siblings and parents of their own who may need them. Being with family – attending a daughter’s ballet class, getting a meal with a brother to catch up or helping an elderly parent – is also important for maintaining healthy family relationships.
- Getting into a hobby – Many times, it’s easy to drop hobbies while slammed with caregiving duties. Respite time is an opportunity to regain a sense of self and get back into a favorite activity or try something new, whether it’s a painting class, a weekly hike or karaoke nights with friends.
How to get started
Easterseals NorCal partners with the Regional Center of the East Bay and Contra Costa Health Plan to provide respite services to qualifying families. The ESNorCal team will work with caregivers to learn about any existing treatments, client goals and interests, and go over necessary information like emergency contacts, behaviors and more.
Respite sessions start with an ESNorCal Respite Associate arriving to the home where they will check in with the parent and start their activities, whether that’s homework help, board games, helping the client with chores, or even going on community outings. Over time, Respite Associates tend to be good at fitting into the family, and their visits will create opportunities to strengthen skills, work on goals and have a great time socializing.
Did You Know? At Easterseals NorCal…
- Our respite program uses a holistic approach, meaning caregivers get their self-care time while participants work on goals with their practitioner.
- Our total number of families served continues to double year after year! Not only is this a service in high demand, but one where our families keep coming back. Take a look at our latest results here.
- Families already in our care for other services may qualify for respite! Talk to your ESNorCal care team to get started.
