  The benefits of RESPITE
In addition to providing companion assistance for child travel, elderly travel, impaired travel and disabled travel, respite has added benefits for families, including:
Relaxation -
Respite gives families peace of mind, helps them relax, and renews their humor and their energy;
Enjoyment -
Respite allows families to enjoy favorite pastimes and pursue new activities;
Stability -
Respite improves the family's ability to cope with daily responsibilities and maintain stability during crisis;
Preservation -
Respite helps preserve the family unit and lessens the pressures that might lead to institutionalization, divorce, neglect and child abuse;
Involvement -
Respite allows families to become involved in community activities and to feel less isolated;
Time Off -
Respite allows families to take that needed vacation, spend time together and time alone; and
Enrichment -
Respite makes it possible for family members to establish individual identities and enrich their own growth and development.
SOURCE:
NICHCY briefing paper: Respite care. National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities. (1996). Washington, DC: Author. |
