What is Respite Care?

28.8.20

Taking care of a loved one can be fulfilling but it can also be challenging at times. The daily grind of caring for and helping your loved one fulfill their daily activities may feel overwhelming at times.

It is vital that family carers look after their own health and well being, if not it may lead to physical exhaustion, stress and could potentially make them poorly. To keep this avoidable situation from happening, you and your family may want to consider respite care.

What is respite care?

Respite care is a helpful solution for many families and carers. It provides primary carers with a much-needed break by allowing others to temporarily assume their duties and responsibilities.

Respite care will enable the carer to take a physical, mental, and emotional rest, they can use the time to run errands, visit friends and family or simply take a break and have some time for themselves. Whilst their loved one still continues to be looked after to the highest of standards and continue with their daily routine. People with long-term or terminal diseases might eventually need to move into a care home permanently. Respite options are there to help them to choose the right care home and get used to the thought of becoming a resident.

There are two kinds of respite care; in-home and out-home.

In-Home Respite Care. The primary caregiver role for this type of care is usually taken by a family member, relative, friend, volunteer, or professional caregiver. The care that is provided is usually short-term. It usually involves assisting the care recipients with their activities of daily living, medical ailments, and care.
Out-of-Home Respite Care. In this type of care, the loved one move to a care home or healthcare facility. A plan of care that is suited for the individual would be developed. Aside from assisting your loved ones with their activities of daily living, medical needs, care homes offering respite packages also provide round-the-clock care, group activities, chef-prepared quality dining, and beauty treatments. The social aspect of residential care is also very important. Very often older people feel lonely at home, socially isolated, especially now during the pandemic. Respite will give them a positive experience of being around others and having care and medical needs met at the same time.

Who needs respite care?

There are many reasons why respite care can be considered. It can be to relieve a loved one of the carer’s duty for a little while, helping to nurse a relative back to full health after a stay in hospital or for recuperation following a surgical procedure. It can also help those that live alone to have some time with others to help combat loneliness.

When can you take advantage of respite care?

Respite care is flexible: it can be adjusted to fit both the caregivers and schedule. Respite can be scheduled on a short-term or long-term basis, depending on the needs of the person. It is available any day of the week; weekdays, weekends, and even bank holidays. The care home will work with you to create a care plan that will be beneficial for both the caregiver and the loved one.

The period of respite to be rendered depends on a lot of factors.

How much time do you need to recharge?
Do you have other responsibilities aside from taking care of your loved one?
Do you have a full-time job? What are your work hours? How many hours a week do you work?
Does your relative require support with personal care?
Is your loved one safe in the house alone?
Does your loved one have friends who visit him or her frequently?
Does your relative need to take medications at specific hours of the day?

By answering these questions, the respite provider can tailor a care plan that is personal, professional, and practical.

Ridgeway Rise can offer help!

Finding a care home who you can entrust your loved one to is not always easy. Ridgeway Rise takes the time to understand both yours and your family’s needs when it comes to respite care.

If you need someone to care for your loved one’s nursing needs after staying in the hospital or you want to take a break as a primary carer. Ridgeway Rise has created a short-term respite package that you and your family can benefit from.

The Ridgeway Rise team is specially trained to take on the responsibility of caring for your loved one. They will be engaging your loved one in various uplifting activities that will enhance their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Talk to them about respite care today!