We as nurses have all seen families (or a single caregiver) struggle with the
care of a frail or terminal family member or friend. Sometimes this takes a toll
on their health because they can not get away and regenerate. People have been
put in situations that makes them give up. Skilled care is needed in some cases
but there is nothing like being home surrounded by love. Take a moment to think
about this. If you feel led to do this:

Please make sure that you contact your national representative and tell them to
support the Lifespan Respite Care Act (S. 538, HR 1083) already passed by the
US Senate. http://www.Congress.org

TheLifespanRespiteCare,Act, http://www.archrespite.org/tforce.htm would
authorize funds for competitive grants to states and other eligible entities to
make respite available and accessible to family caregivers, regardless of age or
disability. The bill requires grantees to identify, coordinate, and build on
existing respite efforts at the state and local levels. The Lifespan Respite
Care Act would help support, expand, and streamline planned and emergency
respite, respite worker and volunteer training and recruitment, caregiver
training, and program evaluation.

If you are a caregiver who doesn't think you need, are able, (or deserve) to get
away for awhile, then you are the person who is most in need of respite.




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