Caring for the caregiver

When you're caring for someone with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), it's important to remember that there are ways to share the responsibility. Respite care Provides short-term breaks that relieve stress, restore energy, and promote balance in your life. Using respite care allows you to receive support, share the responsibility of caregiving, and maintain your own health. provides regular caregiver assistance. It can help relieve stress and restore energy and even help improve quality of life.1 There are a number of respite care options that may be available in your area. Here are a few:

In-home respite

This gives you the option to stay at home with your child while a provider helps with other daily tasks. You could have in-home respite occasionally or on a regular basis.1

Residential programs

Hospitals, group homes, and nursing homes can give you 24-hour relief by providing emergency or planned overnight stays.1

Independent providers

This is usually the least expensive option, much like hiring a nanny. Of course, you will need to do some research. Before hiring an independent provider, it's important to conduct in-depth interviews and request references.1

Home care agencies

Often easier to use than an independent provider, these agencies place a caregiver with you, handle payroll, and can provide a replacement when a provider is unavailable. They also conduct background checks and take care of issues like medication, complaints, or arbitration.1