The benefits of getting respite and the consequences of not having it

Taking a break for oneself requires a lot of thought for caregivers. Here is a small table with the benefits of taking a break for oneself and the consequences of not taking a break in our caregiving relationship.

Benefits

✅ Nourish your vitality

✅ Increase your sense of satisfaction

✅ Experience more tolerance and understanding

✅ Feel more love towards the person being cared for

✅ Maintain other roles which are also important

✅ Find recognition elsewhere

✅ Be able to contextualize situations for better outcomes

Consequences

❌ Risk of burnout

❌ Social isolation

❌ Increased stress

❌ Depression

❌ Irritation, frustration

❌ Confusion

❌ Damage the relationship with the person being cared for due to the symptoms listed above of black-and-white reasoning

Feel free to read our other articles related to the topic of respite: what is respite, what forms can respite take? , Tips for managing guilt when considering respite, and reflective insights on taking respite. These can aid you in your contemplation. You can also talk with your caseworker or request one if you do not have one already to further discuss your emotions and questions related to respite.