The Arc of Lane County is pleased to be a member of the Oregon Lifespan Respite Care Network. Oregon was the first state in the nation to establish a Lifespan Respite Care Program to help counties develop and implement community-based Lifespan Respite Care Networks that assist families and caregivers.

Respite might be:

• A few hours to go shopping, see a movie, make appointments or take a nap.
• Taking a family vacation.
• Being able to work or do volunteer activities outside the home.
• Scheduling medical care that a parent or caregiver has been delaying.
• Parents having rare time alone or with each other.
• Spending valuable one-to-one time with siblings of a child with disabilities.

Respite Care:

• Provides a social opportunity for your loved one.
• Gives you time for yourself.
• Allows time for hobbies and recreation.
• Helps you stay healthy.
• Supports family stability and well-being.

Caregiver's Self-Assessment:

• Are you at risk for caregiver burnout?
• Are you providing care for someone who requires intensive care or round-the-clock supervision?
• Do you find yourself trying to do it all and be responsible for all aspects of caregiving?
• Do you experience sleep disturbances including inability to fall asleep or stay asleep?
• Do you frequently experience aches and pains, chronic health problems, and low energy or exhaustion?
• Are you spending less time with your family and friends because of the constant care you are providing for someone?
• Do you experience emotional outbreaks, including anxiety, depression, anger, guilt or lonliness?
• Is caregiving interfering with scheduling for your own medical appointments, taking a break or even shopping?
• Do you feel as though you could provide better care if only you could take a break for a while?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may have caregiver stress. Don't wait until you are already burned out! Call your local Lifespan Respite provider today. They will help you find options so you can take better care of yourself and your family.

The Arc of Lane County Lifespan Respite Program offers several regularly scheduled respite programs to best meet the individual needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families:

For more information please contact:
The Arc of Lane County Lifespan Respite Coordinator
Misty Lyster, by phone at 541-343-5256 ext. 113
or by email at misty.lyster@arclane.org