What is respite and why it’s important for caregivers

By Cassie Lucas-Moore, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

Respite. You’ve probably heard of it but what does it mean? Respite is defined as a short period of rest or relief from something difficult. 

Many caregivers are in desperate need of some respite. Caregivers put a lot of themselves into taking care of a loved one. Whether it is as a family member, a friend, or even as a paid caregiver, it is hard work to provide for another person. Mental and physical strains occur in the process of caregiving.

There are aspects of caregiving that give way to stress. Caregiving can be time-consuming, costly, and stigmatizing. Caregivers may struggle to balance roles and values that may conflict, like those as a family member compared to those as a worker. With such roles in contention, caregivers don’t often feel recognized, which can lead to low morale. Without this recognition, caregivers struggle to feel they are providing adequate care and don’t get the appropriate help or information that they need. This can also cause a rift within the family and provides concerns over the future of the loved one’s care in the event that the current caregiver is no longer able to provide care.

Certain caregiving tasks can result in physical strain and interruptions in sleep. It can cause physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Behavior management can become an issue. Without respite, caregivers have a hard time caring for themselves. They are also limited in the recreational activities they can participate in and become socially isolated. The longer all of these issues persist, the more limited a caregiver’s prospects for the future appear to be. 

Respite allows the caregiver time to take care of themselves so that they can best take care of their loved one. CareWell Services and our other partner agencies for seniors and caregivers have plenty of programming to offer respite for caregivers, including support groups, training opportunities, and resources. Below are the available support groups, training opportunities, and resources, in the area.

Support Groups

• Heritage Commons – Marshall: 1^st Tuesday at 3:00 pm-4:00 pm
• Battle Creek YMCA: 3^rd Thursday at 1:00 pm-2:30 pm
• Battle Creek Senior Care Partners PACE: 2^nd Wednesday at 10:30 am
• Barry County COA: 1^st Tuesday 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
• Kool Family Community Center: Caregiver Support Circle meets on 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays at 3:00 pm-4:30 pm
• Finding Support and Healing After Loss meets every Wednesday at 4:00 pm-5:30 pm

All of these groups are drop-in sessions, no need to RSVP or be a member.

Training

• Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Six-week series, available in person or virtually – sessions in Marshall beginning January 10, Battle Creek February 12, and Hastings February 28
• A Matter of Balance Fall Prevention: Eight-week series, available in person or virtually
• Diabetes PATH: Six-week workshop series, available in person or virtually
• Dementia Caregiving Series: Three-week series, available in person or virtually
• Dealing with Dementia: Guided coaching, using resource manual by the Rosalynn Carter Institute
• Caregiver Coaching: One-on-one phone based supports for isolated caregivers
• AMPS Aging Mastery Program: Ten-week series program  and some a la carte topic offerings on subjects relevant to aging, care planning, finances, nutrition, exercise, and physical as well as spiritual health. 
• Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program: In person one-on-one appointments to understand Medicare costs and services, apply for Medicaid secondary coverage, and reduce medication costs. 

Resources

• Resource Coordinator at CareWell Services – 269-441-0930
• MI Choice Waiver at CareWell Services – 269-966-2450
• Care Transitions with CareWell Services – 269-968-7340
• Personal Coaching with Linda Frost at CareWell Services – 269-441-0927