What is Respite?
Respite is temporary relief for caregivers and families who are caring for those with health related issues requiring supervision or care, including Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Because of the substantial responsibility of caring for a person who is ill, caregivers should seek respite.

Evergreen Healthcare Center provides overnight, weekend, and longer stays for people unable to care for themselves or stay alone so a caregiver can have longer periods of time off. We provide meals, help with activities of daily living, coordinate therapeutic activities to fit the needs of residents and provide medication set up and administration. Evergreen Healthcare Center offers a safe and supervised environment.

Evergreen Healthcare Center offers:

• Social activities
• Counseling
• Meals
• Recreation
• Mental stimulation
• Exercise
• Emotional support for caregiver and participant
• Education for caregiver and participant

Suggestions for Caregivers
Caregivers need to consider respite services much earlier than they think they will need them. Respite is most helpful to caregivers if they use it before they become exhausted, isolated, and overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Respite services can be beneficial to both the caregiver and the care receiver.

Caregivers deserve to have sufficient and regular amounts of respite time. They need this break in order to provide the care they want to for their loved one and preserve their own health.

Respite is most effective when combined with other services and assistance. Caregivers should seek out education, emotional and social support, and a sense of belonging with others.

Respite is part of a complete package of help and assistance to the primary caregivers. Respite care can give the caregiver the time and assistance needed to meet personal needs as well as other responsibilities such as rest, vacations, weekend trips, shopping, etc.

For more information, please call 708.907.7000.