carerest

Carerest is a term used to describe deliberate breaks for individuals who provide regular care to another person. It encompasses both short, intra-day rest periods and longer respite arrangements intended to prevent fatigue and sustain the caregiver’s well-being.

The term is a neologism built from care and rest; it appears in some caregiving and policy discussions as a concept rather than a universally adopted program. It overlaps with existing ideas such as respite care, caregiver support services, and flexible work arrangements.

Implementation can include formal options like paid respite services, temporary in-home support, adult day programs, and temporary substitution of duties; and informal options such as scheduled personal breaks, healthy routines, peer support groups, and mindfulness practices. In workplaces or care settings, carerest may be supported by policies that allow flexible scheduling or caregiver leave.

Evidence on carerest specifically is limited, but related research suggests that structured rest breaks reduce caregiver stress, improve mood and decision-making, and may improve care quality. Effectiveness depends on matching rest periods to the caregiver’s schedule and the needs of the person receiving care, as well as addressing practical barriers like cost and access.

Challenges include funding, availability of substitute care, potential disruption to routine, and privacy concerns. Clear definitions and standardized measures are needed to assess impact across settings.

Related topics include respite care, caregiver burnout, caregiver support programs, and work–life balance.