Supporting Caregivers Means Providing Time Off

The Respite Care Program helps Nadine Seitz care for her husband, Walter, who suffered a stroke eight years ago.

Sometimes, the best way to help is by giving someone some much-needed time off. At the American Red Cross Kansas Capital Area Chapter, volunteers stay with elderly or frail clients in order to give their family caregivers time to themselves. Clients of the Respite Care Program often find that caring for a family member's needs is a 24-hour task, and caregivers can lose their sense of individuality, feeling locked into providing for their loved one. The Respite Care Program allows caregivers time for themselves.

"Time away from home is essential for both my mental and physical well-being," said Bonnie Bahe, a Respite Care Program client and caregiver since 1993. "It helps me to cope with the continuing day to day care I must provide for my husband."

While providing up to four hours of in-home supervision per week, Respite Care volunteers support caregivers in a way that allows family members to remain in a loving, caring home environment, rather than having to move to an individualized care facility.

Marilyn Meyer, a Respite Care volunteer since 1987, sees the benefits of this program in her own life. "For me, it has been a blessing and a pleasure to be a part of so many courageous peoples' lives. This program truly gives hope and makes a difference to many families."

To learn more about this program, contact the Kansas Capital Area Chapter at 1221 SW 17 St., Topeka, Kansas, 66604 or (785) 234-5758.

Click here for more Seniors and other Community Services news.