Believe it or not, it’s that time again. It’s time to roll out our fifth annual Summer Respite series. Four years ago, we announced the Summer of Respite 2001 and it was a smashing success. Each summer, we encourage caregivers to continue helping each other by sending in your respite tips and techniques. This summer it is more important than ever for each and every one of us to avail ourselves of the benefits that respite offers.

I want caregivers to really celebrate yourselves this year and take advantage of the respite opportunities that will make your lives less stressful and more productive. This is the “Summer of Respite 2005” and now that the summer is in full swing, we will feature Respite Highlights each week for you to consider utilizing. These highlights will consist of ideas, tips and proven techniques for achieving respite during each week of the summer. 

And of course with all great things concerning caregivers, it’s a group effort. Email me your favorite respite tips to share 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 list. It worked so well last year that I’m going to jump-start this list with some great ideas that caregivers have previously sent.

From Mary: Before I start out each day I set a specific time for just me. My best time is at 7:00 p.m. when my day is done. I sit down and pamper myself. I thank myself for all the love and care I gave to those in need as I look back on the caregiving I did for that day. I get in a relaxed mood, make myself a nice dinner, sit back and take care of me. By the time I am ready to go to bed, I am mentally satisfied with my accomplishments of the day, for the smiles I put on someone's face, for the hugs I gave them and the happiness they acquired from someone who truly loves them. I cuddle in for the night, thank God for my abilities and for the day He gave me to work with, and then I go to bed to sleep tight until morning. My philosophy is "you cannot care for someone else, until you first care for yourself."
 

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From Jan: I get up at 6 AM, make myself a pot of tea and sit and read a few chapters of a book. This is my time so I only do something for me for an hour. My husband usually does not wake until 8 so this early morning gives me my daily respite. I also take about 30 minutes after I get him in bed at night, have a mug of hot milk and read again.

EMAIL YOUR RESPITE TIPS
 

Respite Tips 

Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com