Depending on where you live, they are available through hospitals, churches and social service agencies. You will be amazed at how helpful a support group can be for family members who are trying to cope with caregiving responsibilities. Find out about in-home services that might be helpful. Examples of such programs include home delivered meals, homemaker service and home health care. Again, there are a variety of community sources that provide these services.
Respite care is simply care that gives family members a break from the daily demands of caregiving.
Respite care could include the services listed above, but it also could include programs such as adult day service. These programs are often connected with a hospital, social service agency or nursing home. Adult day facilities provide a safe, protected environment for older people for several hours a day. They offer meal and social service activities, and some even provide transportation to and from an older person's home. Ask friends, neighbors and family members for help.