The role of caregiver falls most often on a family member, whether that is a mother, father, child or sibling. Our respite care for family caregivers service provides temporary cover so that caregivers can take a break. Getting help means that a caregiver can maintain their own wellbeing and health and return refreshed.
What is respite care?
Respite care is temporary or short term care provided by an agency so that the family caregiver can take time off. Respite care can be for a short period of a few hours and it can be a one-off or a regular booking for a few hours each week. Longer term respite care can take place over a number of weeks and can be 24/7 live in care or daily drop in care for a few hours. It depends on how much support a care recipient needs and how long a break the family caregiver requires.
Types of respite care for a family caregiver
There are a few different ways that we can provide respite care for a family caregiver.
In-Home Respite Care
In-home respite care is provided in the individual’s own home. The care can be provided for a few hours, overnight or for a few weeks. The advantage to in-home respite care is that the care recipient can stay in familiar surroundings and maintain a familiar routine.
Residential Respite Care
Residential respite care includes the arrangement of a supported accommodation environment. It is often used so that the family caregiver can remain in the home, for example when a husband or wife or partner has been caring for their spouse or partner. It gives the care recipient a change of scenery.
Emergency Respite Care
Our care team is trained to step in to provide care quickly and efficiently in an emergency situation. They are fully trained to provide the cover needed and keep the patient safe, happy and secure. Emergency respite care is used when the family caregiver is called away without notice.
What are the benefits of respite care for family caregivers?
The primary benefit of respite care for family caregivers is that it allows them time. Time to take a rest and recharge their batteries. This can be physical rest to prevent exhaustion or emotional rest to prevent burnout.
A family caregiver needs time to ensure their own wellbeing so that they can continue to care in the long term. Taking time off from the constant demand of caregiving reduces stress and anxiety. It provides the opportunity for the family caregiver to spend time with other family members. This strengthens relations and allows a caregiver to receive support from them.
For the care recipient, respite care makes sure that a high quality of care is maintained. It can provide an opportunity to meet new people and engage socially. It provides the option for a change of environment in the case of residential care, or we can support with transport and assistance to access the local community.
Respite care services for family caregivers
Each household is different and we will draw up a personal care plan to meet your needs, whether short term or long term. We provide the following domiciliary care services as part of a respite care package for family caregivers.
- Personal care
- Medication management
- Companionship and befriending
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Transportation
- Shopping services
How to book respite care
Either the care recipient or the family caregiver can make a booking with us for respite care. Make a list of the requirements for your respite care. Consider how long you will need respite care for. Think about what your needs are and those of your loved one. And include your family in the planning and decision making. When you are ready, call our care team and we can talk you through the options. We will draw up a detailed care plan for your respite care.
Some advice for family caregivers who are considering respite care. It is essential to consider the need for self-care. It is not selfish to consider taking a break and getting some rest. Often a caregiver can provide better care for their family after they have made use of respite care. It would be unreasonable to expect an employee to work 24/7, 365 days a year for years. Take care of yourself so that you can continue to provide care in the future. Booking respite care is a proactive and positive step forward.
Respite care for family caregivers
Respite care is a vital resource for family caregivers to use for temporary relief. The care recipient will still be looked after and they will continue to receive quality care and support. Using respite care will maintain the wellbeing of caregivers and prevent them from getting burnt out by providing care. In the long term, this means they can provide better care to those that they love.