Self-Care
Recognizing when you need help too
Quote Courtesy of Hidden Helpers at the Frontlines of Caregiving: Supporting the Healthy Development of Children from Military and Veteran Caregiving Homes, Nov 2021, Mathematic.org
Military & Veteran Caregiver Experience Map
Video Credit: Elizabeth Dole Foundation Via YouTube
Throughout the map you will find information on the needs and emotions that caregivers experience at different parts of their journeys, as well as opportunities for intervention where the right people, organizations, and service providers can step in to build sustainable and effective support when caregivers need it most.
Respite Care
Caregiving can be incredibly demanding physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s vital for caregivers to recognize their own limits and prioritize their own well-being to avoid burnout. Respite care plays a crucial role in providing caregivers with the opportunity to recharge and attend to their own needs.
By taking breaks and seeking respite care, caregivers can prevent exhaustion and maintain their ability to provide quality care over the long term. It also allows them to sustain relationships outside of their caregiving role and maintain a sense of balance in their lives.
Moreover, respite care isn’t just beneficial for caregivers; it can also be advantageous for the person receiving care. It introduces variety into their routine and provides them with opportunities for socialization and engagement with new people and environments.
Overall, respite care serves as a vital support system for both caregivers and those they care for, promoting overall well-being and enhancing the quality of life for everyone involved.
Take a look at the Caregiver Respite Tool from the VA Caregiver Program. The VA has created this tool to help you incorporate respite into your life. Respite care allows you, as a caregiver, time away from your caregiving responsibilities. We understand finding time for yourself can be difficult and this tool is designed to help define who you are as a caregiver and take action steps to finding time for you.
