More than 50 million people provide care to a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend.  While caring for our loved ones is an important job, we often forget to take care of ourselves.  Statistics show that caregivers have a high risk for stress (physical and mental tension), heart problems/heart attack, sleep problems, and depression.  Caregivers also have a higher mortality rate than non-caregivers.  So, what can we do?  Take a break for a few hours or a few days...relax, have fun, take time for yourself and other family members, etc.
There are several community resources available that provide respite care.  Respite care is temporary relief or a temporary break from caregiving.  The local Area Agency on Aging offers home companions and volunteers who can come to your home to sit with your loved one while you run errands, go to lunch, take a break, etc.  To find your local area agency on aging, click on the link provided.  Adult day programs are offered in most communities and provide group programs for seniors during the day.  The provide social activities, meals/snacks, recreational outings, and assistance with care.  Most adult day programs allow you to drop your loved one off for a couple of hours up to a whole day.  Most are open Monday-Friday and are very helpful to those caregivers who work during the day.  To find an adult day program, click on the link provided.  If you would like to take a couple days off for a vacation or just a much needed break from caregiving, some nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer respite care.  This is a great option where your loved one could stay in there temporarily while receiving 24/7 medical and social care.  Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer respite care for up to 30 days.  Some communities also offer respite care homes or units, which allow up to 10 people to stay on a short-term basis.  Check your local nursing home, assisted living facility, Area Agency on Aging, or Alzheimer's Association for respite care information and resources.