Why Caregivers Need to Take A Break

Noted author Gail Sheehy stresses the critical need for caregivers to take a break every day from the consuming demands of caregiving. Whether it's being with a girlfriend, or taking a walk, or listening to music, the caregiver must create at least an hour a day when the responsibility of caring for another is put aside. Without this daily break, caregivers can become sick themselves or resentful of the person they are caring for, possibly leading to abuse.

Ms. Sheehy tells her personal story of how she learned the value of taking time for herself when her husband was seriously ill. The experience proved to her the necessity of taking an hour every day, to recharge and replenish, doing whatever it takes to support the caregiver's well-being.