Respite is time off, time away, a much-needed time for a caregiver. It's relying on someone else, whether a friend, relative, volunteer or professional, who can fill in for you and give you some time to yourself -- because your wellness should be priority number one.

Unfortunately, according to a National Respite Coalition survey, most caregivers don't realize they're in need of respite care until it's too late.

Only a small percentage of a National Alliance for Caregiving members actually used respite care. When they did, it was because of a health crisis or another emergency.

The challenge is that they view themselves not as caregivers, but as spouses, parents, or siblings who feel it's their duty to provide care. They don't believe they deserve a respite.     

If you are a caregiver, you need time away - just as any worker needs a vacation from the daily stress of their job, according to the National Caregivers Association. It's a break that renews you.

The ideal respite is to go somewhere else so you're not in the same environment. That's the best way to clear your head. It gives a little bit of your life back.