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Other than running errands, getting a haircut, manicure etc., why do I need Respite care? All I'll do is worry while I'm gone.

Well if you can't do anything but worry while you're out and about then perhaps "respite" isn't for you.
But for all the other caregivers that I know including myself, respite was/is of utmost importance, as we understood/understand the importance of self care and that we matter too in the equation.
And sometimes respite is just getting away for few hours to get a mani/pedi or going to the grocery store or to church or lunch with friends. Just anything to get away from the hardest job there is and that is caregiving.
It doesn't have to be a few days or a week, but whatever is best for you and the one that you're caring for.
Trust me when I tell you that you will know if and when you need to get away for longer than just a few hours here and there.
And remember that worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair on your front porch. It gives you something to do, but it gets you absolutely nowhere.
So please take care of yourself in whatever ways you can, so you're not in the statistic of 40% of caregivers dying before the one they're caring for from stress related issues.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to funkygrandma59
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First you have to stop worrying about everything.
Statistically, most things we worry about never happen.
But in caregiving anything can happen and likely will happen.
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Reply to Evamar
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If you don’t think you need respite, don’t ask for it (or pay for it). Leave it for now. No-one will force it on you.
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Reply to MargaretMcKen
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Being able to run errands, get a haircut and manicure is of course respite care, but are there other things you enjoy? My respite care was my husband’s four hours in dialysis three times a week and it saved me. I was able to go to my appointments, see friends regularly, go to the gym, find support for myself, etc, which then enabled me to be a better caregiver. I knew he was in good hands, and I made the conscious decision to not worry about him when I was out(which I realize may be easier said than done).
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Reply to MidwestOT
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If you get to the point you really need respite , it is wise for your own health . Your health matters too and respite can help you to continue caregiving (if that’s what you want) .

We send our kids to school , there is always some worry . But we aren’t with them 24/7 . It’s rare to be 24/7 as a caregiver without it eventually taking a toll and caregiver needing respite .

It doesn’t hurt to leave respite as an option in the future . Never say never .

Good Luck .
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Reply to waytomisery
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Car, If you ask me, when someone thinks they don't need respite those are the ones that do the most.

It sounds like you really do need to practice getting out , and letting go of what's going on at home.

Every time you leave you have to shut the door behind you and just breathe.

This constant worry is horrible for your health, what good are you going to be for your loved one if your ill,

If you have to do little steps, go for a walk and practice mindfulness, just be in the moment.

You deserve a break from the stress!!
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Reply to Anxietynacy
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I think what YOU personally need is as individual as your own fingerprint. It is up to YOU to decide. None of us can know the circumstances, how easy or hard your daily life is, how much personal time you can cut for yourself or how much personal time you even need. This is all up to the individual. I think when we are honest with ourselves we know what we need, know when we waited too long to address it, know when we are OK, basically.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Even full time jobs only require 40 hour work weeks for most, and an hour lunch with a couple of 15 minute breaks thrown in. And 2 days off per week are given. In Europe and Australia, they feel sorry for the poor Americans who get a lousy 2 weeks vacation a year vs the 6 weeks or more they get. Yet you have no issue working 24/7/365 doing hands on caregiving which is physical, mental and emotional work? With a hour or 2 off here and there?

If you enjoy your job, don't take any respite. If the day comes when you no longer ask the question "why do I need respite?", then you'll know exactly why you need it and you'll choose to take it.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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