Caring for an aging adult can be meaningful, rewarding… and incredibly exhausting. Everyone needs a break from time to time: an opportunity to rest, take care of yourself, or address other responsibilities in life. Without respite, caregivers are at greater risk for burnout and health issues. Whether you need time to take a nap, run errands, or go out with a friend — for a weekend or for half an hour — you might worry about leaving your loved one alone.

A valuable option in this situation is respite care. From home health care to adult day programs to a short-term stay at a senior living facility, respite care allows a caregiver to take a break while knowing their loved one is safe and cared for. Unfortunately, the cost of  professional care providers can be very expensive.
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If you are in need of respite care but concerned about the financial burden, there are some resources that can help bridge the gap — from respite grants to volunteer services.

Volunteer Respite
While volunteer programs cannot assist with personal or medical care, there is no cost to participate and they can be a great option for those whose primary respite care need is companionship or social engagement.

Do you know of another respite resource that’s missing from this list? Please contact [email protected] to let us know!

And as always, if there is any way that we can be of assistance to you on your caregiving journey, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jewish Family Services. Both you and the person you care for deserve to have the support that you need. 

As the new year begins, many of us feel a renewed sense of possibility. The calendar turns, and with it comes the hope that this year can be different; healthier, calmer, more fulfilling. New Year’s resolutions often grow out of this desire for change. While resolutions can be motivating, they can also feel overwhelming or unrealistic when we place too much pressure on ourselves.

Rather than viewing resolutions as rigid promises to completely transform our lives, the new year can be a time for reflection and intention. Looking back on the past year, what challenged us, what supported us, and what we learned can help shape goals that feel more meaningful and achievable.

Resolutions rooted in self-compassion tend to last longer. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes like productivity or perfection, consider setting intentions that prioritize well-being. This might include caring for your mental health, strengthening relationships, setting healthier boundaries, or making space for rest and balance. Small, intentional steps can create powerful, lasting change over time.

Creating change and building habits can be positive and meaningful for everyone, including children and young adults – it just might look a bit different. Prioritizing well-being in younger people may mean reducing screen time, participating in a team sport, getting more sleep, or attending a few events hosted by campus clubs and organizations.

If you're a parent, consider making resolutions as a group by creating a family “Bingo Card” for the new year. Come up with ideas for good habits and new experiences that can bring you all together over the next twelve months!

It’s also important to remember that growth is rarely linear. There may be moments when resolutions feel hard to maintain, and that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. The ability to pause, reset, and begin again is part of the process.

For those who feel they need extra support as they step into the new year, Thrive services are available to help. Thrive offers professional mental health support and resources designed to meet individuals and families where they are. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, life transitions, or simply looking to strengthen your emotional well-being, Thrive can be a valuable partner in supporting your goals for the year ahead.

As you move into the new year, allow your resolutions to be flexible, realistic, and aligned with your values. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. With the right support and a compassionate mindset, the new year can be a time of meaningful growth and renewed hope.

Contact THRIVE at JFS for support.

A new year offers something quietly powerful: a sense of renewal. It invites us to pause, take a breath, and imagine what’s possible. No matter how the past year unfolded—whether it brought joy, challenges, or moments of uncertainty—the start of a new year reminds us that growth, healing, and hope are always within reach. 

Positivity in the new year doesn’t mean ignoring life’s difficulties or forcing happiness. From a mental health perspective, positivity is about approaching the year with compassion, openness, and the belief that small steps forward matter. It’s about recognizing that caring for your mental well-being is just as important as any goal or resolution you set. 

As the year begins, many people feel inspired to reset routines, reconnect with values, and prioritize what truly matters. This can be a powerful time to focus on habits that support emotional health—making space for rest, strengthening relationships, practicing gratitude, and giving yourself permission to grow at your own pace. Even simple moments of mindfulness or connection can create a lasting sense of calm and clarity. 

It’s also important to remember that a fresh start doesn’t require perfection. There will be days when motivation feels strong and days when it feels harder to find. Both are part of the human experience. Mental wellness is not about having it all figured out—it’s about showing up for yourself with patience and kindness, again and again. 

As we move into this new year, let it be a time of hope, resilience, and possibility. May you carry forward what nourishes you, release what no longer serves you, and approach each day with optimism and care. A fresh new year is not about becoming someone new—it’s about honoring who you are and supporting your mental health every step of the way. 
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For those seeking additional support as the year begins, Thrive services are available to help. Thrive offers compassionate, professional mental health support for individuals and families, providing guidance, tools, and care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, or life transitions, Thrive is here to support your mental well-being throughout the year.