Doesn’t the idea of respite sound glorious? Maybe a few days on the beach to help destress our mind. Or we could take a cruise to someplace warm and relaxing. What about a wine-tasting trip where we don’t have to worry about medication times or bathroom breaks or early dinners? Heck, who needs excursions? We can sleep all day!  

While all that sounds absolutely inviting and invigorating it is not always possible for caregivers to get away for a respite. Respite care can be too expensive or just downright unavailable for our loved one. However, as caregivers, we do need to take breaks or our mental health (and even our own physical health) will suffer. How do we resolve this dilemma?

It may not be a day at the beach or a weekend of wine-tasting but respite can be created at home. Of course, we will still be responsible for our caregiving duties but there are ways to rejuvenate without leaving the house!

Discover 7 practical ways to create moments of respite in your own home.

1. Create Your Own Relaxation Space

   Find a room, a corner, a space that is just for you. Use this space for whatever hobby you may enjoy or just for relaxing, reading or taking a moment for yourself. Set out your books or artwork, yarn or puzzles so they are ready when you can take some time for you. Add a few personal touches that will relax you just by looking at them (a few photos or scented candles, for example).

2. Insist on Time for You.

   Ask a family member, neighbor or friend to stay with your loved one for a couple of hours. Even if no one can do the things you do it might be possible to have someone stay when your loved one is napping or in bed for the night. They won’t have to do anything unless there is an emergency (and even then they have your phone number)! Take the time to go out to dinner, see a movie or get a pedicure. You can even go relax in a park or go for a drive to clear your head.

3. Do Something Different.

   It might sound silly but you can get the benefit of respite by mixing things up a little bit. It is easy (and usually preferable) to have a great routine with your loved one. Every now and then, take a day and do something different such as taking your loved one to a movie or out to eat. Even getting outside and going for a walk can be refreshing for both the caregiver and your loved one.

4. Take a Day Off Work.

   Working caregivers often only take time off work for doctor appointments or emergencies. Consider taking a day off while your loved one goes to a day program. Do something just for you (and save the errands for another day).

5. Dream a Little.

   It is okay to plan for the future. Take a few minutes when the day has gone all kinds of wrong and the stress is getting to be too much. Sit down in the space you created for yourself and write your goals for the future – even if they might seem impossible! Would you like to see the aurora borealis? (Okay, that’s my dream but you can have it too!) Write it down. Look up images on the computer. Enjoy the northern lights right now!

6. Do Yardwork.

   This may not sound relaxing to some people but others love to garden or dig in the dirt and work with the plants. Go outside for just a few minutes (even with your loved one) and smell the fresh air and look at the flowers. Pick the berries off the berry bush you never seem to be able to tend to. If you don’t have the energy for a full garden any longer then consider starting an herb garden!

7. Indulge in a Treat.

   Do you ever buy yourself flowers, chocolates or chocolate covered strawberries? Of course not! Ooh, but how much fun would it be to do just that? You would probably have a treat (and maybe even flowers) if you were on a week-long respite so why not treat yourself when you are creating respite at home!

It may take a bit to get ourselves in a respite frame of mind but even if you cannot physically leave your loved one there are ways to care for ourselves. These at home self-care refreshers will help keep our souls happy, our minds at peace and our health intact (well, as long as we don’t over-indulge in that treat tip!)

Caregiving with Trish: Practical Tips from the Field

Trish Hughes Kreis is a co-author of the 365 Caregiving Tips: Practical Tips from Everyday Caregivers book series (found on Amazon & Lulu.com) and works as a full-time Legal Administrator. She is also a freelance writer and videographer and advocate for her disabled youngest brother, Robert. Robert lives with intractable epilepsy but has an unwavering faith and a delightful way of declaring everything excellent. Robert lived with Trish and her husband, Richard, for several years where they did their best to keep him happy, healthy, and, of course, excellent (and with a never-ending supply of chocolate ice cream). Robert now lives in a Skilled Nursing Facility where Trish and Richard continue to advocate to keep his life excellent. Please connect with Trish through social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Threads).