Caregiver research indicates more family caregivers should use respite services

Forty-nine percent of caregivers reported use of at least one of three specific types of help on behalf of their care recipient. Outside transportation service (29%) was the most commonly used, followed by requesting resources for financial assistance (28%). Only 12% have used a respite service.

It is well documented in family caregiving sources, such as Family Caregiving Alliance,  that respite services are alarmingly underutilized.


What is shown by study after study is that caregiving compromises health. About 60% of caregivers show signs of clinical depression, and caregivers take more prescription medications, including those for anxiety and depression, than others in their age group. Reluctance in asking for and accepting help is a major barrier to getting necessary respite and support. Who has time to think about breaks when there is a diaper that needs to be changed? Seventy-five percent of caregivers in America are women, some taking care of spouses/partners, some adult children taking care of parents, some parents taking care of adult children. What does taking care of yourself mean, why is it so hard to do, and how do you do it?

"The care you give to yourself is the care you give to your loved one," said a caregiver. Absolutely the easiest thing for someone to say and the hardest thing to accept is the advice to take care of yourself as a caregiver. It is often hard to see beyond the care tasks that await you each morning.

Gentle Home Services, Inc. provides both short and long term caregiving services in the home or in a care facility setting to provide the utmost of attention to your loved one.

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