I am a Caregiver of an Adult

They actually are two different things:

• Respite is a much needed break for caregivers.

• Hospice is for anyone who has been diagnosed with any terminal illness and given six months or less to live. (Learn more about hospice.)

As with all things in life, what you need often determines the cost.

If you need someone to keep your husband company while you run errands, you might be able to get a family member or friend to stay with him while you are out. Or you might even be able to hire a student or retiree for a reasonable amount.

If your mother needs medical care that can't be provided by an untrained person, you likely will want to find a respite provider with trained staff.

Before you worry about the cost, find out if your loved one qualifies for state or federal programs that might cover the cost. These may include services from Medicaid, Medicare, Veteran's Affairs or others.

• To find out about Medicaid or other state programs, call 1-855-937-2372 to talk with a trained professional about your options.

• To find out respite services for pre-9/11 veterans, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Respite website. For information on how to access respite services for post-9/11 veterans, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support website.

• To find out about Medicare benefits, visit Medicare.gov.

The most affordable options are likely available through state or federal programs, and not all of them have waiting lists. Our searchable list of respite providers and programs in Texas includes nonprofit and volunteer respite programs.

Family caregivers can face years of caregiving responsibility. Without adequate help and support, the stress of caregiving can leave you vulnerable to a range of physical and emotional problems, ranging from heart disease to depression. If you start to suffer, who will take care of your loved one?

According to HelpGuide.org, when caregiver stress and burnout puts your own health at risk, it affects your ability to provide care. It hurts both you and the person you're caring for. The key point is that caregivers need care too. Managing the stress levels in your life is just as important as making sure your family member gets to his doctor's appointment or takes her medication on time.

They offer these tips for dealing with caregiver stress and burnout.

• Ask for help.
• Give yourself a break.
• Practice acceptance.
• Take care of your health.
• Join a support group.

While family and friends may not be able to take care of your spouse with complex needs, professional respite providers are equipped to do so.

Some questions to help you screen potential respite providers include:

• How do you screen your employees?
• Do they conduct background checks for state and federal offenses?
• What is their training and level of experience?
• Will they need additional training to meet specific family needs?
• Can I meet and interview the people who will care for my family member?
• Can I request the same employee each time?

Please visit our searchable list of respite providers and programs in Texas. It includes all types of providers and you can search it based on the type of service you need and where you live.

If your mother needs a companion while you take a break, there are many options available. You can ask family or friends to help out. You can hire a student or retiree looking to make a little extra cash. Even some churches or civic organizations have informal respite programs.

If your family member needs a higher level of care, you still have options. Please visit our searchable list of respite providers and programs in Texas. It includes all types of providers and you can search it based on the type of service you need and where you live.

And if you are not sure how to pay for services, call 1-855-937-2372 to talk with a trained professional about your options in Texas.