Byron, 87, lives with his daughter, Marion, and her family. Recently, Byron was hospitalized due to a broken hip. Marion will provide for his care, but needs time off to handle family and personal matters. Marion contacted a respite care program recommended by the local Area Agency on Aging. A trained respite care worker spends two afternoons a week with Byron.

What is Respite Care?
Respite care provides time off for persons caring for family members. Respite care, sometimes called adult care sitting, provides that relief and allows the caregiver to take care of themselves, too.

There are many types of services which may be used to provide caregivers the break they need. One way is to have a respite worker come into your home for a few hours, but you may also take your loved one to an Adult Day Care Center or a Nursing Facility Respite Care Center while you take care of the other important things in your life.

Why is respite care important?
Today, family members are the primary caregivers of older persons. About 6.6 million Americans aged 65 and older currently receive long-term care services; family members provide two-thirds of the care. Caregivers are mostly female, usually wives and daughters. They often have many other responsibilities. To maintain a caregiver role over time, a person needs occasional relief.

Where can I call for more information?
Start by contacting family, friends, your local senior center, public health department, hospital, religious organization, nursing facility, or by contacting the Area Agency on Aging.