Caregiving is a demanding task. Caregivers need time off from their caregiving responsibilities to relieve stress, prevent burnout and other symptoms of distress. After all, caregivers can only give as much as their own physical and psychological wellbeing permits. Taking a break can help to regain strength and protect the health and well being of everyone in the family network.
Caregivers are at risk for symptoms of depression and distress. Caregiving is a demanding task and at times leaves you feeling guilty that you are not doing enough or discouraged that you can not do more. Burnout symptoms are similar to those of depression and can often play a role to one another.
Below is a list of resources that can help.
Local Departments of Aging or Departments of Senior Services offer a variety of services which can include merchandise discount cards, home delivered meals, senior care, senior assisted housing, recreational and social activities, long term care facilities, senior information and assistance, seniors legal assistance, exercise/fitness programs, and educational information.
Delaware: Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
Cecil County, MD: Cecil County Department of Aging
Harford County, MD: Harford County Office on Aging
Kent County, MD: Upper Shore Aging
The calendar offers a listing of events taking place in surrounding counties each month. Many events are free or charge minimal admission.
Kent County, DE: Kent and Dover Visitors Bureau
Sussex County, DE: Sussex County Events
Cecil County, MD: Cecil County Calendar
Harford County, MD: Harford Events and Harford County Calendar
Kent County, MD: Kent County Events
The National Institute on Aging offers a variety of publications addressing women's and men's health issues, caregivers, aging, safety, medications and supplements, planning, decision making, Alzheimer's disease, common health problems such as poor vision, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and situations faced by aging adults and their caregivers.
NIA Publication “So Far Away”
This publication offers in-depth answers to the twenty most common questions long-distance caregivers have because increasingly more, those in need of home care live far away from their families.
Cecil County, Maryland: Cecil County Government Resource Guide
Delaware: Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilites Services
The Adult Day Care Program offers care for adults who cannot be left alone during the day but do not require full institutional care. Day Services provides activities and assistance for people with physical and/or mental impairments.