Webster's Dictionary defines a caregiver as a person who provides direct care for the chronically ill. Well, we have a whole army of people out there who fit that definition, and while they don't wear uniforms or receive medals for meritorious service or bravery under fire, they certainly should.
Until you are one of them, you have no concept of what it is like to have the sole responsibility for a chronically ill loved one 24/7, sometimes for years. And without any time for yourself to go shopping or have your hair done or any of the normal things we all take for granted, you are virtually a prisoner of your loved one's disease.
Thank goodness that around 1985 some non-profit social service agencies, along with the Division for Aging Services, saw the need to provide respite care for these caregivers. The term "respite care" is just a fancy title meaning giving an interval of rest or relief to someone who has been under tremendous stress.
The latest statistics indicate that 40 percent of all caregivers predecease the loved one they are caring for because of the stress of the never-ending responsibility of care and never having the time to address their own health problems or other interests.
This breeds resentment and often results in elder abuse or neglect because the caretaker "just can't take it any longer."
If the caregiver goes first; this leaves the one being cared for at risk of institutionalization which defeats the whole purpose of keeping the person out of a nursing home.
The Nevada Rural Counties RSVP Program has recently launched its own respite care program and is now taking applications. If you need a break, but can't afford to hire someone, then under RSVP there is no cost; however, donations are gratefully accepted. No one is refused service for inability to donate. (RSVP is also forming free support groups, which I will address in my next column.)
RSVP also has openings for volunteer respite providers. There is a stipend of $175 a month and mileage reimbursement. Respite volunteers receive training and can choose their own time to assist.
For more information on receiving or giving respite care call Joyce Greene, (775) 687-4680 ext. 19.
For more options contact Nevada Caregivers Resource information at www.nveldercare.org or call Aging Services (775) 684-4210, www.nvaging.net.
As a caregiver you definitely need to take some time off. It is not only healthy for you but it gives your loved one a new experience of interacting with someone new, someone they can tell their stories to. Don't put it off, do both of you a favor.
• Janice R. Ayres is executive director of Nevada Rural Counties RSVP Program and president of Nevada Senior Corps Association.