Respite care homes – what are they and what do they provide?
Respite care homes are typically short-term stay accommodation for individuals that cannot care entirely for themselves. Accommodation can be provided for short periods of care if you, or your carer, need to have a short-term break. Respite care can be provided either in residential care homes, nursing homes or at your home. The respite breaks are only short-term and typically only last for about three months of continuous care.
What are respite care homes and services for?
Respite care is predominantly used for the elderly, individuals with mental or physical health problems, sensory or learning disabilities. Some can also benefit from Respite Care following a minor stroke, mild dementia, angina, arthritis, epilepsy, glaucoma, brittle bones, heart disease, cancer and hip replacements.
Respite Care can help the person in need to continue living safely while giving your carer some peace of mind, knowing you are in a safe and cared for environment.
Respite Care can also be for the main carer as well, giving them the chance to have a well-earned break. This allows the carer some time to themselves to maybe spending the day shopping or take a holiday break with the peace of mind that their love one is being cared for in their absence. If you are a family member caring for someone it is important to remember that if you go too long without a proper break things can sometimes get emotionally too much, causing you to perhaps become ill yourself, anxious, or depressed, which can make life more difficult for you and the person you are caring for.
What types of breaks are there?
If the break is required in your own home, arrangements can be made for a carer to come in and care for you or your loved one. This care might only be for a few hours while your main carer is out, or for an overnight stay. Longer periods can also be provided through services such as home care, day care and meals on wheels. If the break is away from your home you have the option to stay in residential care, which will give you 24-hour care. This can be helpful if you are coming out of hospital and need rehabilitation, if your main carer is away, or if you need emergency short-term care. You might also be eligible for breaks on a more regular basis, which means you can book your stays with the residential home in advance to suit you and your carer’s needs.
How much does respite care cost?
Most respite care packages are tailored to suit your own personal needs and can vary in cost but at all times the most important aspect of the respite is the care that is being provided to you or your loved one.
If you are looking to keep your loved one at home during this time, you can get a volunteer to help, possibly a neighbor, or even a family member. These people can offer companionship and social stimulation while you take a quick break. This is also a great way to let your loved one visit with friends and neighbors that they may not see on a regular basis. Make sure to leave a list of things to do during your absence and a number where you can be reached.
If your loved one isn’t as independent, you may consider hiring someone from a service to come in for a few hours each week to offer respite care. These skilled workers can help with dressing, feeding, toileting, and even bathing. In some cases, they can run errands or assist with housekeeping and meal preparation to give you a little break. If your loved one requires medical assistance, there are services that will train providers to help with basic medical tasks.
