Respite: The Essential Role of Restoration and Self-Connection for Women Caregivers

Respite isn't just a break; it's an essential part of caregiving. It's about stepping back to re-connect with Self and to care for yourself

I have eased off from my usual pace of publishing weekly blogs and newsletters as an act of critical self-care while navigating the competing roles and responsibilities of a caregiver. Life and work continue with shifting priorities and timelines.

Reflection on the Caregiver's Needs and the Gift of Respite

The role of a caregiver and advocate is noble and selfless, but as we all know, it can be taxing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This is where respite care comes in as an essential element of self-care providing caregivers with a well-deserved break and more importantly, a period of time for personal reflection on their own needs.

The nature of respite goes beyond restoring energy in our physical and mental realms of life. Respite is critical for reconnecting with our Self, our own identity, and our own energy. Reconnecting with Self is the key message that emerged for me through months of intense energy shared with those whose care became a priority including a primary caregiver who needed support.

During my first period of respite, I experienced overwhelming insight; an intense emotional signal telling me that I needed to re-connect with feminine energy. This lightening-bolt moment struck as I returned home to be totally on my own for a week. I needed a full week of isolation to connect with my own energy before reaching out to women friends.

Who Cares for You?

Imagine having the opportunity to step back temporarily from caring for another, secure in the knowledge that a reliable, very capable, and compassionate person is there to care for YOU and your needs. Surprise! That person is YOU! Whether you need a few hours, a few days, or even longer, respite care designed to meet your needs can give you that crucial time to restore, recharge, and reset.

Google "respite care" and you will notice that the term focuses on obtaining care for your loved one so that you can get a break. However, "getting a break" trivializes the true purpose and value of respite. What about the care that you need? Respite care, in the context I present to you today, is about taking care of you and your needs; not simply taking a break.

Hopefully, during respite, you have the freedom (with restored energy) to engage in restful activities or simply unwind and relax. The opportunity to catch up on everyday tasks in your personal and professional life provides some relief, but this cannot be the prime objective of respite. Respite is an opportunity for you to intentionally prioritize your own well-being while your loved one enjoys a break from being dependent on you. We sometimes forget that independence can be a great motivator on the road to recovery. We also forget that our caregiving responsibilities and hyper-vigilence can be overwhelming for our loved one. Our "hovering" can hinder their recovery process or create a co-dependency that is unhealthy for all parties.

Developing a Personal Respite Care Plan

Respite care can be flexible and tailored to your needs. I learned so much about my needs during the past few months. I recognized that engaging in effective mini-breaks throughout each day was crucial in taming my hyper-vigilent saboteur. Intellectually, I knew what was best for me. Ironically, consistency in my own self-care was a challenge. On the other hand, my experience with self-compassion, self-awareness, and deep exploration of self-trust was quite enlightening.

I accept that my caregiving experience this summer was a test-run for what I might face in the future and has informed me about what preventive action I need to design and implement to ensure my needs are met in a healthy way. Here are my top insights and actions that I have noted in my personal respite care plan:

1. I am declaring to women in my network that I might need their support in being true to myself. The power of strong bonds is evident as I receive caring messages from women in my network. As I often say, my women's network is my most valuable asset that adds value to my personal and professional life.
2. I learned that a week in my own home - solo - on my own - every couple of weeks was/is crucial for my unique situation and my needs as an introvert. Fortunately, we have the resources to develop a roster for caregiving that addresses everyone's needs.
3. I am planning activities that allow me to be in the company of strong feminine energy which is a hallmark of my well-being. A road-trip through the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay area with a "girlfriend" provided an amazing opportunity to connect with the energy of nature and the feminine. We visited the Kemble Women's Institute Lookout. LINK

The Benefits of Respite Care

The benefits of respite care extend to both carers and those receiving care. As a caregiver, it allows you to return to your role refreshed and reenergized - if done well. For your loved one, it offers a chance to interact with other individuals while maintaining the level of care and support they need. In my case, my family member was able to regain some independence which is contributing to his recovery.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, consider the advantages that respite care can bring. It's a tool designed to lift some of the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to commit to good quality self-care and your well-being.

To learn more about respite care resources that you might need in order to make this happen, reach out to your local care providers.

Remember, taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of others.

For resources available to aspiring women entrepreneurs and business owners of all ages, contact me with your request at [email protected]

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