Veterans

Do You Deserve a Break Today?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Legacy Corps is looking for a few good men and women.

Specifically, they’re looking for home-based caretakers of veterans and active duty military who might be in need of occasional breaks from caring for their loved ones.

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Aging & Independence Services (AIS) and AmeriCorps have been recruiting and training respite team members who will be available to offer short breaks to family caregivers of veterans and military members. All volunteers will undergo a background check.

“Being a caregiver is often stressful,” said Pam Smith, director of AIS. “Arranging time away from a sick loved one can be difficult, yet having that break is critical to a caregiver’s wellbeing.

“We are glad that the Legacy Corps can assist veteran and military families during such difficult times.”

Rosa Clark of North Park is exactly the type of person the Legacy Corps was created to assist.

Clark is the caretaker for her husband, Robert, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and diabetes. 

“Andrea (Rojas, the couple’s respite provider) is very respectful as well as understanding and patient with my husband,” said Rosa. “You don’t know how happy I am the county is providing this service.

“She’s so sweet and my husband looks forward to her coming each week.”

Rojas accompanies the Clarks to the San Diego Senior Lounge in Balboa Park. Other times she will take Robert by himself, or stay home with him so Rosa can run errands or have time to herself.

“When she goes to the senior center with my husband it gives me a break so I can go get groceries or go the bank,” said Rosa. “Or sometimes maybe even be a little lazy.”

The Legacy Corps program is looking for families providing care to a veteran or a military family member who would like to take advantage of this free respite service, especially families living in the South Bay, East County or Central San Diego areas. For more information, contact Brian Rollins at (858) 505-6305, or email brian.rollins@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact