It’s November and time to observe Family Caregiver Appreciation and Respite Awareness Month.

Celebrated every November, National Family Caregiver Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers. Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S. 

During November each year, we also promote awareness about respite and its importance in the lives of caregivers and care recipients. What is respite?

Respite (RESS’-pit): Respite is temporary or short break for caregivers through planned or emergency services that provide a caregiver of a child or adult with a special need some time away from caregiver responsibilities for that child or adult, and which result in some measurable improvement in the well-being of the caregiver, care receiver, and/or family system.

With education, support and respite, the lives of caregivers and those who receive care are improved greatly.