Respite care is designed to relieve families of the constant responsibility of providing care or supervision to a dependent family member. Some of the reasons a family might utilize respite care services include:

 

• Illness affecting the primary caregiver
• Family emergencies
• Vacation or free time for the primary caregiver
• Free time for the needs of other family workers

  

Twenty-four hour attendant care is provided under respite care services. Attendant care is defined as the maintenance, assistance and/or supervision in the following areas:

  

• Activities of daily living such as eating, dressing and other types of personal care
• Environmental support and safety
• Assistance with medication administration

 

 

Since the hospital’s primary function remains acute care, the length of time a client may remain in respite care is not to exceed two weeks.

 

 

For more information, call 701-968-2500.

 

Are you in danger of burnout?

Caregivers are at increased risk of depression and other symptoms of distress. Perhaps you feel guilty because you think you aren't doing enough, and you're frustrated that you can't do more. If you're feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, that's understandable - this is a difficult time for you…and help is available.

The symptoms of burnout are very similar to those of depression. In fact, the two conditions often contribute to one another. Are you experiencing:

• Persistent symptoms of depression
• Constant anxiety, irritability, or anger
• Feelings of detachment, numbness, or exhaustion
• Continuous self-criticism
• Withdrawal from usual activities
• Negligence or hatred of caregiving responsibilities
• Trouble at work or in relationships
• Substance abuse

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Care for the caregiver tips

Here are ways you can care for yourself while caring for others.

• Schedule regular afternoons or evenings out.
• If you can't leave and friends can't come over, take time each day for a phone conversation with a friend or family member. Even a brief chat can lift your spirits.
• Eat nutritious meals. Don't give in to stress-driven urges for sweets or drink too much alcohol.
• Get enough sleep. If you are kept up at night, try a nap during the day to make up some sleep.
• Exercise regularly, even if it means finding someone else to provide care while you walk or go to exercise class.
• Make a list of jobs you need help with and seek out someone to assist you. This could include household chores, home repair or maintenance, driving, paying bills, or finding information on services you need.
• If possible, arrange for adult day care for your loved one. This will you give you time for errands and personal time as well as provide health monitoring, transportation, nursing care and therapeutic recreation for your care recipient.
• Join a support group. You don't even have to leave the house for meetings. For homebound caregivers, Internet-based support groups are a blessing.
• Draw strength from your faith. Even home visits from a member of your church or synagogue are a way to keep you in touch.
• Take time to pamper yourself. Take a warm bath, light candles…find a time to relax each day.
• Plan a weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation.
• Hire a temporary caregiver from a respite care program.

 

Excerpt from Helpguide.com