Respite Care: A Critical Public Health Intervention
Family caregivers, whether for a parent, child, another family member, or friend, often do not realize the impacts that may happen to their health and are at a higher risk of several complicated health-related issues themselves. In return, feeling burnt out can limit the quality of care that they can provide to the care recipients.
Respite Care Association of Wisconsin’s (RCAW’s) project manager, Rachel Watkins-Petersen addressed the matter, “Respite care is a critical public health intervention. The effects of round-the-clock caregiving often lead the caregiver to feel isolated, fatigued, depressed, and anxious. The mental health toll on primary caregivers often exacerbates physical health conditions. Data shows that caregivers report chronic health conditions, including heart attack/heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis, at nearly twice the rate of non-caregivers. Family caregivers must get a break from their duties, so they can rest, refresh, and recharge.”
The Health Impact on Caretakers
In 2019 the CDC studied caregivers and reported several unhealthy traits:
Caregiving can show its effects in several areas of life, from limiting the ability to work, social interactions outside of caregiving, mental and physical health, and proper diet and sleep. Several of these factors lead to further health decline in themselves and possibly for the care recipient. Sometimes, caregivers are so focused on the individual being cared for, that the caregiver forgets or limits the care they need themselves. This is why RCAW’s mission is to promote, support, and expand quality statewide respite across the lifespan.
How Respite Care can Help
RCAW helps caregivers and respite workers by providing FREE training courses and has grants available to help pay for respite care. In addition, RCAW offers an online registry to connect caregivers and respite providers. Visit the Wisconsin Respite Care Registry.
If a caregiver finds themselves unable to properly care for their family member or friend, it could be time to find additional help. Some signs to lookout for include:
- Begin showing a short fuse or getting angry at others
- Issues with sleeping and insomnia
- Significant weight change
- Physical concerns including persistent headaches, poor immune system, and chronic pain in neck or back
- Isolation from events or activities that were previously enjoyed