Quick Summary: Caregiving is a full-time job in itself. Many caregivers in New Jersey are feeling overwhelmed, experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, and financial hardship. If caring for your aging parents has become too much to handle or if you just need a break, respite care services provide a short-term care option. Contact JCHC for more information about respite care services at our Lester Senior Living Community in Whippany, NJ.

If you’re a caregiver, you have two full-time jobs—the job you get paid to do and the invisible, unpaid work of caring for an aging parent.

Like millions of adults, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out from all the time, money, and responsibility involved in caregiving, and completely drained, with no energy left to take care of yourself.

If this sounds like you, respite care services found at many senior living communities may be an option for much-needed support.

Jewish Community Housing Corporation (JCHC) offers flexible short-term respite care services at our Lester Senior Living community in Whippany, NJ, for caregivers who are traveling, have an unexpected need, or just need a well-deserved rest.

As a respite care provider, we understand the burdens, the guilt, and the difficult feelings caregivers experience. In this guide, we’ll explain the benefits of respite care and the importance of caregiver self-care.

How Do The Responsibilities of Caregiving Impact Caregivers’ Well-Being?

While caring for an aging parent may sometimes feel isolating, more and more people are finding themselves in this situation.

According to AARP’s 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. report, nearly 1 in 4 Americans is caring for an older adult, representing 59 million people. The number of caregivers has rapidly increased, growing by 45% in the last decade. In addition, nearly 30% of caregivers are part of the “sandwich generation,” juggling raising their children and caring for their parents at the same time.

The weight of having this responsibility on their shoulders is straining caregivers’ finances. A U.S. News & World Report survey found the average caregiver spends 10 to 25% of their yearly income on out-of-pocket care expenses. In New Jersey alone, 40% of caregivers are facing financial hardships such as taking on debt, emptying their savings, or struggling to afford basic needs, according to AARP data.

Even more alarming is the impact that caring for family members is having on caregivers’ health. Guardian Life’s Caregiving in America study found that nearly half of family caregivers (47%) are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Less than 25% of caregivers surveyed said their mental health is “good,” and more than one-third (37%) have taken a paid leave of absence from work. Additionally, more than 40% rate their overall well-being as low, and many admitted to missing their own doctors’ appointments to care for their aging parents.

What Are the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout?

Burning the candle at both ends can only last so long. Eventually, your energy will completely run out, leaving both you and your loved one in the dark.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 60% of people caring for an aging parent experience symptoms of caregiver burnout. The warning signs of caregiver burnout may resemble those of stress or depression.

Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout:

• Emotional and physical exhaustion
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Changes in appetite and/or weight
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Inability to concentrate
• Getting sick more frequently
• Irritability, frustration, or anger

Often, caregivers step into their roles due to an urgent need and gradually increase their involvement over time. Other family members may also jump in to help, which can create additional tension. For some, separating themselves from their role as a son, daughter, or spouse can cause role confusion. All of these factors can lead to increased stress, creating a need for caregiver self-care.

What Is Respite Care and How Can It Offer Caregivers Relief?

Respite care can help to relieve the daily pressures caregivers face. Respite care services provide short-term care for older adults, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the family’s needs. There are many different types of respite care providers, from at-home healthcare providers to healthcare facilities and senior living communities.

While many private insurance plans do not cover the costs of respite care, the National Council on Aging notes that some long-term care plans may offer coverage, such as Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which offer supplemental benefits for respite care services.

Respite care is proven to provide relief and rejuvenation for caregivers and their loved ones alike. Recent studies have shown that short-term respite care creates a two-way positive effect: taking time for caregiver self-care will ultimately improve the quality of care you’re able to provide.

What Respite Care Services Are Offered at Lester Senior Living?

At our Lester Senior Living community in Whippany, NJ, we offer flexible short-term respite care services that include the same level of care, access to amenities, and engagement opportunities as our full-time residents.

We have fully furnished private apartments available for short-term care stays. Our respite care guests receive three kosher meals daily and engaging, 24/7 professional support from our expert team. Upon arrival, our team members will work with you to create a personalized care plan for your loved one’s stay that will help ensure consistency and familiarity during their time with us.

Guests in our respite care program can participate in the same programming as our full-time residents, including fitness and art classes and cultural outings. During their stay, your loved one can also access all the amenities our beautifully maintained community offers, from our cozy library to our activity rooms, newly renovated movie theater, on-site salon and barbershop, and outdoor walking paths.

Is Respite Care Right for You and Your Loved One?

In Judaism, caring for your parents and showing respect are central tenets of the faith. Kibud Av Va’em, which translates to “honoring your father and mother,” is a mitzvah, or a divine commandment from the Torah.

For Jewish caregivers, the obligation to maintain their parents’ well-being is significant, and entrusting their care to someone else may stir up feelings of guilt. However, the laws of Kibud Av Va’em note that parents are forbidden to impose too heavy a yoke on their children.

In the Torah, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, sees him hearing individual queries and grievances and realizes it is too much for him to bear alone, saying, “You will surely wear yourself out…for this matter is too weighty for you.”

JCHC is open to all, and we understand the challenges faced by caregivers of all faiths. Through our respite care services, we’re here to offer you peace of mind and trusted support. While your loved one is staying with us, they will be cared for, socially engaged, and comfortable. Our caring team is here to offer the same level of personalized attention they receive at home in a warm, welcoming environment.

Respite Care Questionnaire for Caregivers and Their Families

Respite care services at JCHC offer temporary relief so caregivers can practice self- care. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or you have an upcoming gap in care, ask yourself these questions to determine if respite care at Lester Senior Living is right for you and your loved one.

1. How would you rate your own health currently? Are you experiencing any of the symptoms of caregiver burnout listed above?
2. Have you put your own needs on hold to care for your loved one? Examples may include: skipping your annual physical, cutting back on hours at work, or spending less time with friends.
3. Do you have an upcoming trip or vacation planned, and you’re not sure who will take care of your loved one?
4. Has your loved one expressed interest in getting out more to socialize?
5. Have your loved one’s needs increased over time? Are they becoming too much for you to handle on your own?

If you’re exploring respite care, we encourage you to visit our Lester Senior Living community to experience the compassionate care we provide to both our short and long-term residents. Contact our team to learn more about how our respite care services can help take the weight of caregiving off your shoulders.