What is Respite Care?
Respite care can be described as short-term or temporary care which is centred on providing the carer with a rest from their normal duties as a carer; thus allowing them to recharge their batteries. Respite care is centred on improving the standard of care the carer provides, by giving them regular and needed breaks.
This is incredibly beneficial for the person being cared for, as the standard of care they receive tends to improve, it reduces the chance of neglect or abuse and it also gives the person being cared for a break from the carer. Respite care can often be described as a break for the person being cared for, as fun activities and day trips are often arranged to keep them entertained.
Reasons Why Carers Opt for Respite Care
The benefits of respite care are countless and include;
- It improves the sense of well-being for both carer and the person being cared for
- It reduces any stress which can occur between the carer and the person being cared for
- It provides additional support, which improves the coping ability of both parties
- Expert care, fun activities and short breaks increase the opportunity for social activities for the person being cared for
- It allows the carer to spend time socialising and interacting with their loved ones
- It strengthens the carers ability to care, and reduces the risk of neglect or abuse
Having a break is essential for carers and the care you provide will improve as a result. There is nothing wrong in seeking help and taking a break.
Advice on Choosing a Respite Facility
It’s a good sign that you’re considering respite care and here are a few things to consider before you choose a particular respite care home.
- Location; make sure that the home is easy to travel to and isn’t too far away from where you live.
- Visit the respite care home; be sure to visit the care home with the person you’re caring for. It’s important that you both like it and you both feel comfortable.
- Activities, day trips and short breaks; make sure you know what kind of activities the care home provide and whether they arrange any day trips or mini breaks.
- The care home; it’s important that you both like the care home, for advice on what to look for in a care home click here.
- Meet the new carers; make sure you meet with the new carers and that you both like them and feel safe and comfortable in their care.
- Background check; double check the Care Quality Commission report to see how the care home was reviewed.
- Joint decision; this needs to be a joint decision and both of you need to like the respite care home.
Tips on Introducing the Subject of Respite Care
It can be hard introducing the subject matter of respite care, however here are a few tips from the team at PrimeLife to help you out:
- While it’s always good to plan ahead and broach the topic early to give everyone time to adjust to the idea, don’t broach the topic too early. This can cause unnecessary distress.
- Refer to respite care as a holiday, a break for them. Speak about it in a positive and enthusiastic light, try not to let any doubts come across as this may cause undue distress. If you’re relaxed and excited about the whole thing, they are more likely to be more receptive.
- Try to remember that it is not selfish for you to want a break and it will benefit you both.