To plan, fund, and execute local “dream” experiences for full-time, family caregivers so they can look forward to a day away from their daily responsibilities and take time for THEMSELVES.
Beyond the day away, we are committed to shining rays of light onto the family caregiver community, using the brightest methods.
Your selflessness is beautiful, crucial and at certain times taxing on your mental and physical health. A Day Away is a registered 501(c)3 dedicated to celebrating and giving back to the caregivers who give it their all, everyday.
One in five U.S. adults are caregivers to family members or friends with a chronic health condition or disability. Negative associations between caregiving and caregiver health are known (https://www.cdc.gov; Changes in Health Indicators Among Caregivers — United States, 2015–2016 to 2021–2022). A staggering yet relatable statistic for many Americans. A Day Away (a New Jersey-based registered 501c3) came to fruition after its co-founder, LeighAnne Castimore, a parent with a special needs son, longed to have just one day away to do something selfish, free of guilt and expense. Struck by the realization she is not alone she began to work with her daughter, Lolly, and together they built a NJ-based nonprofit to celebrate and shine some light onto the family caregiving community.
Family caregivers spend most of their “free” time devoted to their person in need whether it their aging parent, an ill spouse, or special needs (or special abled!) loved one, to name a few. There are many respite services available locally but we are focused on the mental health of the caregiver. Personal finances, lack of support, or feelings of guilt, worry and hopelessness are just some of the reasons caregivers continue to put their personal needs aside and dig deeper into the restraints of caregiving.
A Day Away asks the question to our guests, “What do YOU want to do?”. One applicant’s “dream-day” might be a spa-day, or to lounge in a hotel, to play 18 holes of golf, spend an evening watching a live show; whatever it is, A Day Away wants to treat and celebrate YOU.
If you, or a NJ-based family caregiver you know, might benefit from a day away, please click the application button above and complete the form. We request some basic contact information and some details of the caregiving role. Also on the application, a menu of tiered recreational and therapeutic options to choose from and a request for day away dates. The recipient, if approved, must secure their own self-hired care for the person they support. If they don’t have respite care in place, A Day Away will offer New Jersey respite contact lists in their area. Once their day away is complete, A Day Away will continue to offer online services, events, seasonal sunshine boxes, and more!
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