With the first tropical depression brewing in the Gulf of Mexico and airline fares rising higher than the airplanes, it is obvious that the first days of summer are upon us. For others, it may mean long weekends at the park, lake or beach but more often than not, we caregivers need to learn to get respite where we can find it.  Thankfully, it is also time to roll out Today’s Caregiver Magazine and caregiver.com’s Fifth Annual Summer Respite series. I want caregivers to consider this summer to be the “Summer of Respite 2006”!

Remember, respite can be easier to achieve than you think. It does not have to be found outside of the home or take the entire day, having someone watch your loved one for a few hours while you luxuriate in a long hot bubble bath counts, too.

Ask for and accept favors such as; a friend staying with your loved one while you are able to get out of the house for a while, a dinner being cooked for you and your loved one once a week, an offer to go to the supermarket or drugstore in your place. Respite can be achieved on a daily basis with the smallest of kindnesses.

As this summer begins, we will share respite tips with one another each week for you to consider utilizing. These tips will consist of proven techniques for achieving respite during each week of the summer. 

Of course, with all great things concerning caregivers, it’s a group effort. Email me your favorite respite tips to share each week within this newsletter. If everyone sends their favorite tips, I’m sure there will be plenty of new and interesting ideas for all of us to add to our own lists. 

Send us your tips