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Mary Rack wrote: "Back in NJ, a buncha churches got together and formed an "Interfaith Caregivers" volunteer group. Mom, and some of her neighbors, used them mostly for rides to the doctor, but they offered other services, too." This is the kind of effort we need more of. Burn out among caregivers is epidemic. Respite care is a noble cause but expensive. So are daycare programs because of the high costs of medical insurance and regulations. If one or more caregivers groups organized through a local support group could get patients who have similar needs together once or twice a week it could fill social requirements and respite at the same time. Rotate the location among homes & caregivers who are more knowledgeable and concerned about PD than health professionals. Yes, it sounds a bit like unregulated private daycare for children but the major issue is the current high cost of these kind of services even through the most well-meaning health related organizations. -KA