|  | Mental Health | Coping with Mental Illness

Respite Activities

Families and caregivers of children and adults with disabilities can often benefit from respite care. Short-term and long-term respite care can be provided. During this period, family members are given the chance to re-energize and to take a break from the stress of being a full-time caregiver. Different families have different respite care needs, and there are a variety of respite activities to match the diverse situations that are present.

  1. Respite Camps

    • Respite camps develop independence.

      Many respite camps are located throughout the United States. The camps can be for children, teens or even for special-needs adults. The focus of the camp is for the special-needs individual to have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities outside of his day-to-day living experience. An example of a respite camp is the Easter Seals Camping Respite Program in Tennessee. While caregivers are given an opportunity to focus on themselves, the camp attendees participate in as many activities as possible. The camp encourages independence in individuals aged 6 and up. Staff members are certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid.

    After-School Respite Care

    • For individuals in secondary education settings, an after-school respite care program is often a good fit. These programs offer access to vocational instruction, and the programs also help to develop future employment opportunities. Working parents particularly find this program beneficial.

    Home Respite Care

    • Respite care also may be offered in an individual's home setting. Qualified caregivers will come in to the home to monitor the special-needs individual. The care may last for a few hours or for a few days. All of the disabled individual's needs are met, and the individual is able to stay in her home, and comfort zone, during the time. When caregivers stay overnight, family members may need to be present, depending on the situation. Another home option respite care program would be a "Host family respite." In this scenario, a special-needs individual would be matched, based on factors such as age, background and interests, with another family. The family is trained in care procedures.

Coping with Mental Illness - Related Articles