Dr. Angelo Consiglio is an otolaryngologist in Marathon, Florida who also serves as an area representative for Golden Heart Senior Care, an in-home care provider for seniors in the Florida Keys. Golden Heart Senior Care offers non-medical assistance like daily care, cooking, and companionship as well as respite care to give family caregivers a break from their responsibilities. While caregiving can be rewarding, it also takes an emotional and physical toll, especially when only one or two family members provide most of the care while also working. Seeking respite care, even for just a few hours a week or during vacations, is important for caregivers to relieve stress and recharge. Respite options

1. By Angelo Consiglio

2.  A graduate of the Chicago campus of the University of
Illinois College of Medicine, Angelo
Consiglio, MD, currently treats patients at his
otolaryngology practice, Allergy Ear Nose &
Throat, Inc., in Marathon, Florida. Dr. Angelo Consiglio
also serves as the area representative of southwest
Florida for Golden Heart Senior Care, a company that
provides in-home care to residents of Key West and
the surrounding areas. In addition to offering
nonmedical care services, such as assistance with
daily hygiene, cooking, and companionship, Golden
Heart Senior Care provides respite care to allow family
caregivers to take a well-earned break.

3.  While taking care of an elderly family member
can be rewarding, it can also take a toll on the
caregiver’s physical and emotional states. In
many cases, the majority of the care falls on
one or two family members, who may also
have jobs and families of their own. Seeking
respite from caregiving
responsibilities, whether for a few hours each
week or for an extended vacation, is essential
to relieve stress and replenish energy stores.

4. Caregivers have several options for respite
care. Sometimes, simply asking other
family members to fill in and do what they
can reasonably fit into their schedules is all
that is necessary. If no family members are
willing or able to help, the caregiver can
obtain outside help from adult daycare
centers, a short-term residential
program, or an in-home care provider.