Respite care is short term care provided for the primary caregivers who take care of those who must have the constant supervision, physical attention and or assistance of a caregiver.
Usually one thinks of those who take care of family members who are suffering from Alzheimer's, but the scope of this type of caregiver goes far beyond that. Stroke sufferers, those who have MS, victims of accidents, individuals who have injuries suffered in military service, those who have disabilities from birth, etc., they, too, must have someone who takes care of them 24/7.
In America alone there are calculated to be over 50 million individuals who are involved in and/or need constant care from someone else. Some of these caregivers are professional nurses, nurse's aids, therapists and their assistants. The majority, however, are family members, friends and/or relatives who lay aside their own lives and have their existences defined by the care they give to others.
These special care-givers need to have a break from their tasks of caring. They need have some time for themselves, be it ever so short. They need to have social contacts, time for worship, time to take care of their personal business, and time to keep a proper perspective and balance in their lives. Such short breaks are called "respite care."
In connection with this great need the major question has begun to emerge: "Where will 'caregiver caregivers' come from?"
Our Wisconsin Evangelical Synod (WELS) Commission of Health and Wellness is undertaking a study of this question and those related to it in order to provide pastors, congregations, and individuals with information and resources to assist them in understanding the problems, accepting the challenges, and reaching out to those who have need of respite care.
Instead of printing thousands of brochures, bulletin inserts and producing expensive videos we hope to have these blogs serve as a primary source of information on this and other topics that deal with acting on our faith to show Christ's love for those who are sick or suffering. They will be frequent, regular and meaningful. At times links to other sites will be offed for your further study.
Your questions and comments are welcomed as we hope to learn and share together.
