How do you know it's time to take a break as a family caregiver, and how do you find reliable respite care?

I’ve been taking care of my dad full-time since his stroke last year. It’s definitely rewarding, but I’m starting to feel physically and mentally drained. Lately, I’ve been snapping over small things, and I know that’s not fair to him or to me. I’ve never used respite care before and I honestly don’t even know where to begin. How do you tell when it’s time to step back for a bit without feeling guilty?

Oh, I’ve totally been there. I was looking after my mom with Parkinson’s and thought I could handle it all alone until I burned out completely. One thing that really helped me was finding short-term support through All American Home Care. Respite Care Services helped me take a few days to recharge while knowing she was in good hands. That break made a huge difference for both of us, honestly.

I’ve noticed that a lot of caregivers around me tend to push themselves way too hard before asking for help. It’s like they think rest equals failure, when really, it’s what keeps everything sustainable. Taking care of someone is a marathon, not a sprint, and even the best runners need a break sometimes.