Respite Care

The word "respite" means rest, or an interval of relief. So, in a sense, respite care is for you, not just the person you are caring for. Helpers come to your home to care for your loved one usually during the final weeks or months of his or her life, so you can rest or take a break.

If you are considering respite care, you need to decide what type you need: Is it a weekend away, or just a few hours to yourself to recharge physically or emotionally?

Respite care services can include those of a helper who is simply a companion for the patient or one who is skilled in basic nursing care. Respite workers can be employed by an agency, be self-employed, or be volunteers. It's a good idea to ask an oncology social worker or nurse for the names of agencies that employ respite workers or for names of reliable persons with experience.

For information on other caregiving options, click the links below.

Home Care
Nursing Home
Hospice

Sources of Information

There are many organizations that provide information and support for caregivers and families of people with cancer. You may contact them by phone, mail, or on the Internet.

National Association for Home Care
228 Seventh Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
1-202-547-7424
http://nahc.org/consumer/coninfo.html
Provides general information about home care and hospice and offers free download of the brochure "How to Choose a Home Care Provider."

Additional Resources

Knowing where to find credible and accurate information about caregiving is an important step toward making life better for yourself and your loved one. The following resources may help:

Getting 'Respite' Care or Extra Help at Home
Free booklet download available at The American College of Physicians Web site,
http://www.acponline.org/public/h_care/6-respit.htm.