What Are Examples Of Respite Care
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- 14-02-2022
What are examples of respite care? We look at times when someone may need respite care services. This includes recovery after illness or hospitalization and when a carer needs time to rest and refresh.
Around 6.5 million people in the UK act as caregivers for a member of their family. A further 6,000 people take on those caring responsibilities every day.
Of course, this is an important role to play in your loved one's life. Many family caregivers find great meaning in caring for those who need it. But it only makes sense that family caregivers hand over that responsibility to professional carers once in a while.
While you love your family and would do anything for them, you also need to live your own life and see to your own needs. This is where respite care comes in.
For those caring for a loved one, respite care providers give you a way to have a short period, whether a few hours or a few days, to yourself while your loved one is cared for by a professional replacement. These professional carers will take on all of your care duties, ensuring that your loved one is properly looked after while you are away.
Respite carers are typically members of professional home care agencies. This means you can rest assured that all of your loved one's needs will be met while you take some time for yourself.
There are many different respite options in-home respite care caregiving you can take advantage of when you need a rest when caring for a member of your family. Here we will cover a few of them, giving you a better idea of the many forms of respite services available.
Recovery After Illness or Hospitalisation
Alongside giving you a well-earned rest from your care duties, there may be instances where your abilities do not meet the care needs of your loved one.
For example, when older adults leave the hospital or are recovering from a significant illness, they will need a more expert level of care than their family members can usually provide. Therefore, it makes more sense for them to hand over the responsibility to an experienced, qualified professional.
Most home care services employ skilled nurses and carer providers for just this purpose. This allows you to take a much-needed break from your care duties so that your loved one can continue to receive care.
Not only will it give you a break, but professional respite care can help your loved one recover quicker, given the more expert level of care provided.
Professional carers and respite care nurses can also give you better peace of mind. Knowing that if any complications arise regarding your loved one's condition, there is a skilled and experienced professional there to handle them.
Medical conditions
If your loved one is diagnosed with long-term, serious medical conditions, it can often be a lot to deal with. You will be overwhelmed and may not have the necessary skills or experience to provide the advanced care needs your loved one requires.
This is another good reason why respite care is so useful for those taking care of a family member.
If you feel that you will not be able to care for your loved one effectively, it is a sensible move to plan ahead and arrange for respite care on a regular basis.
Most home care services that offer respite care will have carers and nurses who specialise in these serious conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. This means they will have the required skills and experience to offer comprehensive care for your loved one. This added assistance and support can help you and your loved one adjust to their new care requirements. This will mean you can continue to provide the right level of care.
Travel
Again, while caring for your loved one is an important role, it should not come at the expense of your own life.
If you are planning to travel, go on holiday, or need a break from your duties, respite carers are there to help you spend some time on yourself. They can step in to manage your loved one's care needs while you are away. They can provide an expert level of care, regardless of your loved one's condition.
Many respite care providers have experience supporting those with a wide range of conditions. No matter what your loved one may be living with, a professional carer will be on hand to assist with the same level of care that you provide for your loved one.
They can be a temporary relief from your care duties whenever you need them. They will support your loved one with everything. From day-to-day activities to companionship and booking appointments, they can help maintain your loved one's quality of life.
Scheduling conflicts
Along with travel and holidays, your life is no doubt a busy one. This means you might not be able to dedicate 100% of your time to the care and support of your loved one.
Besides your older relative, you have your own life, job, and other family members to care for. Respite care can help you balance your time more effectively.
For example, you may have an important meeting at work, a parent's evening or sports day for your children, or any other scheduling conflict that could interfere with your care duties.
Luckily, many home care services that offer respite care can arrange for the support you need whenever you need it. You can arrange for regular respite care, whether it's for a few hours a day, a few days a week or a few weeks a month, or more.
There are also emergency respite care services where respite care can be arranged on the spur of the moment if something urgent comes up.
This way, home care and respite services are there when you need them to take over your care duties when you are busy.
Rest, Recharge and Refresh
While being the primary caregiver for your loved one is a rewarding and meaningful duty to perform, it should not come at the expense of your own life.
Caring for an elderly relative with serious health conditions can be hard work. Arranging for a respite carer to take over your duties can give you time to rest and refresh yourself, so you don't burn out.
You can hire a respite carer for as long as you need, whether you want a few days to rest and recharge when physically drained or just a few hours to cut out and relieve stress.
Who Needs Respite Care?
Respite care is mostly needed for those with serious health conditions requiring 24/7 care and support around the clock. Due to their constant need for care, respite care is most appropriate when their usual carer cannot be with them or is otherwise engaged.
You might need to arrange respite care for someone living with conditions such as:
Brain injuries
Alzheimer's disease
Dementia
Cancer
Stroke
Blindness
Disabled people
What do Home Care Services Provide
Most of us will likely require some form of care and support when we get older. While it may be difficult to come to terms with the fact that you can't do the things you used to be able to anymore, there is no shame in asking for a little help around the house.
Additionally, many people will be put off by the concept of moving into assisted living facilities, retirement communities, residential care homes or nursing homes. Luckily, home care is the perfect alternative.
Home care agencies provide the following services:
Household maintenance
Carers and home care professionals can help keep your home tidy and in good condition for you to live in.
Again, you may find it more and more difficult to do basic chores as you grow older. Things like shopping, housekeeping, and gardening can all be done by a home care service.
Transportation
Most older adults find it difficult to drive themselves around or even use public transport.
Home care services can provide a carer who can transport you wherever you need to go throughout your day. This can be through driving you themselves or assisting you with public transport.
They will help you hold onto your independence and maintain your quality of life.
Home modifications
Home care services can also help to introduce useful home modifications to your property. They help you live more independently as you grow older.
These modifications can include things such as grab rails on your stairs or in your shower. Plus any other modification they might suggest to help you remain safe and comfortable in your home.
Personal care
The carers employed by home care agencies can help with all manner of personal tasks. From bathing and toileting to dressing and cooking meals.
These services can be temporary, such as visiting at mealtimes to assist with cooking, to round-the-clock, 24/7 residential respite care.
Some carers, nurses or trained staff may also help with certain medical checks. For example taking your blood pressure or ensuring your medication routine is followed.
Health services
Home care services can also arrange for health care duties, such as occupational therapists, social workers or district nurses.
Depending on your or your loved one's needs, the home care agency you turn to will have the connections to your local council required to arrange any health care specialities you and your loved one might need. They can also arrange hospice care should it be needed.
Day programs
Day programs, or adult day centres, allow you or your loved one to get out of your home, if you are able, and continue with the activities you enjoy doing.
As part of maintaining a good quality of life, socialising with other people, family and friends is incredibly useful.
There are even dedicated day programs and support groups for those with certain conditions, such as Alzheimer's, who organise planned activities for those requiring care.
If you have questions about respite care, we hope this information has been useful to you.
We offer specialist home care services and live-in care for vulnerable adults throughout London. Get in contact today if you have a loved one that would benefit from professional care at home.
