Helpingtocareforsomeonecansometimes be, or feel like, a full-time job. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, “More than 65 million people, 29 percent of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year, and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.” A similar study by the National Family Caregiver’s Association provides more specific statistics: 95 percent of the caregiver population is caring for a family member who is 21 years of age or older, 44 percent of caregivers are caring for their spouse, and 41 percent of caregivers have been in that role for more than five years. No matter who you are, dedicating part of your life to assisting someone else can take a mental, emotional, and physical toll. New babies need constant attention, elderlyparents may have special routines, and loved ones with chronic conditions – especiallysomething as unpredictable as MS – may bring constant change to your life. No matter who you might provide care for, there is always a danger that you may become so involved in your role as a caregiver that you fail to properly care for yourself. This can lead to high levels of stress, social withdrawl, and burnout. When these issues come into play, it will not only deeply affect your quality of life, but it will also hinder your ability to properly fulfill your duties as a caregiver. The National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare have reported that 72 percent of 14 msfocusmagazine.org Providing a Break for Caregivers Respite helps put focus on neglected parts of life Health & Wellness