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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.
I think with most people, its not the actual work as you say, but often dealing with difficult personalities. (in my case, my mom is difficult, there is no way I could be difficult)
That said, while you may not have much of a need for one, you may still need one just as people who are happy in their jobs need a vacation now and then
It’s the personalities that can make it impossible sometimes .
Refusing to believe they need help , manipulation , guilt trips etc .
3 out of 4 of our parents ( hubs and me ) very difficult . We are on the last ( difficult ) one . She may prove to be the worst of the lot . Cooperation would go a long way .
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 .
Burn out is real.
This is one of the reasons that people take vacations from their jobs.
Also, if you're not to die before the person who you're looking after, you will need to know how to live when you are no longer a caregiver.
Lastly, you can't wrap your loved one in cotton wool. You cannot prevent any harm befalling them because you are just one person. You are human and not all powerful.
You need rest and you need to not lose yourself by becoming subsumed beneath the life, the wants and needs, of the person who you are caring for.
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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