The number of people in the United States who require caregiving is 63 million, according to a 2025 study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Alliance for Caregiving. This represents an increase of almost 50 percent since 2015. This number reflects more caregivers, many being family members caring for aging or chronically ill loved ones. Family caregivers are the backbone of U.S. care, yet they often lack the support they desperately need. This blog explores respite care to help caregivers prioritize the self-care essential for their well-being.
Signs a Caregiver Needs Respite Care
Many family caregivers don’t realize they’ve reached their limit or desperately need a break. Symptoms can be both physical and emotional. The following are some indications caregiver relief is needed. If you experience any of these, it is a sign that you need to seek respite:
Physical Symptoms:
- Seeing rapid shifts in weight or appetite
- Experiencing body aches and frequent headaches
- Getting sick more often and taking longer than usual to recover
- Feeling tired — no matter how much you sleep, you still feel tired
- Neglecting self-care activities that you used to pursue such as exercise or yoga
Emotional Symptoms:
- Feeling stress that seems like it will never end
- Experiencing depression and feeling hopeless
- Having trouble concentrating and experiencing anxiety or panic attacks
- Having feelings of loneliness and betrayal
- Isolating with feelings of low self-esteem and worthlessness
Find Respite Care to Assist Caregivers
Family caregivers make up a large contingency of caregivers – often caring for elderly parents. Both professional and home caregivers essentially need a break to maintain their well-being. The following are guidelines for how to approach family caregiving and suggestions for respite that apply to all caregivers.
Establish a Structure for Family Caregiver Support
Family caregiving should be as organized as a professional care team to minimize the risk of caregiver burnout. This means having family support and not putting the burden entirely on one person. The following are some things to consider when establishing a plan for taking care of your loved one:
- Decide who should be the leader: One family member will likely be the primary caregiver who will establish a care schedule for the loved one and coordinate with doctors and other healthcare professionals. Other family members will need to fill in so the lead caregiver gets some days off.
- Rather than divide tasks equally – assign them based on abilities: You will want an organized, financially skilled person to keep track of appointments, manage bills, and take care of insurance claims. The hands-on caregiver should be able to handle your loved one’s daily living needs such as bathing, dressing and meals. Family members who live far away can still assist remotely with research, prescription refills and other digital tasks.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Professional Respite Services
Families should use professional respite care services to assist with a loved one’s needs. Solo caregivers especially should utilize external services to ensure they get a necessary break. The following are some types of services to consider:
- In-home respite help: Private health aides can be in your home providing short term nursing care or companionship for your loved one. Being relieved of your caregiving duties for one or two days a week or even for a few afternoons or evenings can provide respite that diminishes the risk of experiencing burnout.
- Day Care Centers for Adults: There are national resources that can help family members find adult day care centers in their areas. Many of these centers receive federal funds that offset the cost to families. Some of these resources include the following:
- The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has resources for respite help with elderly loved ones living at home.
- The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) offers information and services on adult day care centers in your area.
- The Administration for Community Living works toward advancing independence and inclusion for older adults and people with disabilities.
- State Programs in states like California and New York offer community-based adult services that are funded by Federal and State funds to provide therapy, healthcare and social services.
- Care Facilities with Short-Term Options: There are assisted living and memory care facilities that offer short-term respite stays that range from a few days to weeks. This is a good way to give family caregivers a break and know that their loved one is being well cared for.
A Focus on Self-Care Is Vitally Important
Many caregivers, especially family members, let the obligation of caregiving for a loved one overtake any focus on tending to their own needs. When caregivers experience burnout because they aren’t getting the support they need, the patient or loved one suffers too. The following are some suggestions for how caregivers can not only find respite from their caregiving obligations, but also resources for self-care including emotional support.
- Establish Boundaries and Delegate Tasks: Compose a calendar that includes the caregiver’s tasks for the week and determine which tasks can be delegated. Make a list of tasks such as picking up groceries or staying with the loved one on certain days and times. This will aid in your helper knowing exactly what needs to be done. It’s good to also have an emergency plan so the caregiver isn’t alone should an unexpected event occur.
- Find Support Resources in Your Area: Caregivers should never feel ashamed to reach out for help because caregiving can be extremely stressful, even if you are caring for a parent, a spouse or a disabled child you love. The following are some caregiver resources offering emotional support:
- Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support: The Alzheimer’s Association has a comprehensive support page on their site with many resources, including how to find local group support, for those caring for loved ones that have dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- The Family Caregiver Alliance: This site offers help finding local respite assistance and resources for group and individual support for caregivers.
- Zen Caregiving: This site has online courses and other resources to help caregivers find peace of mind by learning techniques for relaxing and dealing with burnout.
- Make Self Care Efforts Each Day: Take short 15-minute breaks whenever possible and don’t ignore the hobbies or activities you love. Take care of your health and remember that your doctor and dental appointments are also important.
Honest Medical Cares About Caregivers
Honest Medical supports caregivers whether they are caring for patients in a facility or loved ones at home, and we understand how stressful caregiving can be. To help caregivers everywhere, we offer a wide array of health and wellness products that help you provide the best care possible. With affordable pricing and speedy delivery, you can count on Honest Medical for all your caregiving needs. Our blog, Honest Ideas has other informative articles on caregiving:
- Stress Less, Care More: Vital Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
- Caregiver Burnout: How to Recognize, Cope and Find Relief
- Caregiving that Counts: A Guide to Earning While Supporting Your Loved Ones
For any questions on Honest Medical health and wellness products talk to an HonestMed Care Specialist at (833) 933-2323.
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