The Importance of Caregiver Respite

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Caregiving is one of the most difficult jobs in the world, as it takes its toll on caregivers emotionally, physically, and financially. Often, caregivers are spouses or children who become exhausted over time. Many caregivers fail to take needed respite away from the daily stress of providing care for their loved ones. Without frequent vacations, caregivers begin to feel unwanted resentment toward their loved ones.

Most married couples want to remain with one another at home. When one of the two becomes the full-time caregiver of the other, this creates a strain on the relationship. Often, it is beneficial to both for the caregiver to take a brief respite for a few weeks and do it two or three times each year. You will return refreshed and better able to care for the person that you love. Likewise, it’s important to take time each week to do the things that you enjoy. While many caregivers claim that they can’t afford to take respite away from helping their loved ones, the greater truth is that they can’t afford to miss the opportunity. Family caregivers must take care of themselves first in order to be a good long-term caregiver for a loved one.

If you need assistance caring for a loved one, be sure to contact a caregiver support group, such as ARK Therapeutic Services or the Alzheimer’s Association. Visit http://www.arktherapeutic.com for information about caregiving for loved ones with special needs. Visit http://www.alz.org/NC/ for information about caregiving for loved ones with dementia.

If you need assistance caring for your loved one, or if you have questions about government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, or other Special Needs programs, consider W.G. Alexander & Associates – we offer a unique blend of asset protection, Elder Law and estate planning. You can also attend our free seminars, learn more through our website at www.wgalaw.com, or call us at (919) 256-7000.

Attorney Bill Alexander discusses these issues and more every Tuesday morning on W.G. Alexander & Associates’ radio program, “Asset Protection Today,” on TalkRadio 850 WPTK (AM). Be sure to listen from 9:00-10:00 AM.