What it means
Care given for a few hours, days or weeks, at home, in an adult day center or in a care facility, while the regular caregiver rests, travels or deals with other needs. It helps prevent caregiver strain and burnoutBURN-owtPhysical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long-term stress, especially at work or in caregiving.Full entry . Hospice programs offer short stays of respite care for families caring for someone at the end of life.
For the nurse
Ask family caregivers how they are coping, watch for signs of strain, and tell them about respite services in their area.
At a glance
| Spanish | cuidado de relevo |
|---|
Related terms
caregiver
A person who looks after someone who needs help, such as a family member, friend or paid helper.
hospice
Care for people expected to live about six months or less, focused on comfort and quality of life rather than cure.
burnout
Physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long-term stress, especially at work or in caregiving.
support group
A group of people with the same health problem or life experience who meet to share feelings, advice and encouragement.