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Why Respite Is Important For Carers

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  • 17-02-2022
Why Respite Is Important For Carers

Are you a carer who needs a break? We look at why respite is important for caregivers. We show how respite care provides relief and renewal for people in full time care.

The Importance Of Respite Care For Carers

Respite care is a highly important part of the care process for people who are dealing with all kinds of complex mental health issues, this is including dementia. It offers both the person needing care and the caregiver time to take a break from their usual schedule.

Respite care gives them both time to reset and unwind a little. For anyone who is requiring care, it gives them the opportunity to spend time with a carer who is completely different and perhaps try some new things which another carer hasn't tried.

For the caregiver, there are also benefits for respite care. The carer will get to take some time for themselves, away from their regular caring responsibilities. Although the person needing care and the caregiver may love each other, it can be very tough to spend all of your time together. Respite care can massively help to ensure that no burnout or resentment is bubbling under the surface.

Temporary care is usually deemed to be an essential part of any care plan. This is done so a carer can take some time to take care of their own needs and look after themselves.

It is of the utmost importance that a carer is able to take care of their own health and wellness in order to be in the best condition possible to look after and care for their loved ones.

Respite care can give carers the opportunity to address any health issues that they are dealing with, catch up on their sleep, or simply list have time to chill out and relax.

If you are a carer, then finding the right care providers for temporary care needs is absolutely essential.

Healthcare organisations can help you with ensuring that your loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other health needs will get all the necessary care while you take a break.

The Different Types Of Respite Care

Why Is Respite Important For Caregivers?

Relief And Renewal

The caregiving process can be incredibly demanding and unbelievably stressful. The number of responsibilities placed on one singular person can be colossal. No one can do it without at least a little help.

Just like the loved ones that the carer is taking care of, caregivers also require attention and support in order to maintain their own well-being and health.

Relief And Renewal from Respite Care

Respite care can provide carers with this opportunity for a small temporary rest from their regular responsibilities.

Respite care for loved ones provides a short-term break to caregivers. This break is great for relieving their stress, renewing their energy, and restoring a sense of normality to their lives. Respite care is a period of freedom from the caregiver's usual duties.

A temporary caregiver is put in place for the loved one, so they are also well looked after and receive all the necessary care in a caring environment they feel safe in.

Benefits Of Respite Care

Personal support and maintaining your own health is absolutely vital in the caregiving process. If you can't look after yourself, then how are you supposed to look after a vulnerable other? 

Taking advantage of respite care before you become over-exhausted, overwhelmed, or completely isolated is essential, not only for the caregiver but for the loved one too. Experts say that even just knowing that you have a break ahead of you and anticipating it can be an emotional lifesaver.

In addition to the much-needed relaxation and downtime, respire care also offers a chance for personal revitalisation. Spending time with friends and family, exercising, eating out at a restaurant, and generally just doing the things that will provide you full of personal pleasure and happiness is crucial. Respite care can also offer the peace of mind and comfort of knowing that your loved one is being looked after by other caring individuals.

Below are some extra benefits of respite care for the carer:

Renewal And Relaxation

Respite care gives you the opportunity to do whatever makes you happy and relaxed. You have time to exercise, take a stroll and do some window shopping, visit a museum or whatever brings you joy. 

Happiness has a calming effect on the body and is proven to decrease your heart rate while also improving your mood.

Benefits Of Respite Care

Energy

In order to be effective in your busy caring life, you must take the time in order to re-energise yourself. 

Cars won't run when they are running on fumes, and neither can you. Having time to restore yourself full of energy is very important.

Space

Getting away from caregiving, even if it is just for a few hours, can help you to relax and bring you a new sense of purpose. 

We would recommend taking short breaks as often as possible.

Renewal And Relaxation

Pleasure

As a carer, it is important to remember that you still have a right to enjoy yourself and enjoy life. 

There is no need to feel guilty just for having a good time, you are entitled to that just as much as everyone else is.

Identity

It is easy to lose your sense of self while in the caregiving role. But, of course, you are important too! 

So respite care can be a great time to get back in touch with yourself.

Perspective

Taking time away from caregiving can allow you to see the whole situation more clearly and can help to keep everything in proper perspective. 

Time away might even give you better ways of doing things, as well as thinking of new resources you can tap into for support.

Engagement

One of the biggest issues that plague most caregivers is social isolation. It is so important to take time to pull yourself away from caregiving in order to engage with your family and friends.

Even if it is just a short social occasion like sharing some lunch, going for a shopping trip, or visiting for a cup of tea, it can massively help.

How Caregivers Can Receive Respite Care

How Caregivers Can Receive Respite Care

Respite Care Benefits

Having A Professional

Having a professional in-home care provider to assist with regular caring needs such as bathing, toileting, dressing, making meals, medication, and more can be a huge help.

These professionals can be accessed and contacted through regional and local home care programs and through local home care providers. 

Try contacting your local council for more details.

Temporary Accommodation

Longer respite care periods may require temporary accommodation at a long term care facility or a retirement home. 

These locations are safe places for the individual in need of care, where they can be looked after.

A Day Programme

If the caregiver is just taking a break for the day, then the loved one can be placed in an adult day program. 

These programs can help to provide both social interaction and structure for the person in need of care.

The Help Of A Companion

If necessary, a trusted family member, friend, or neighbour can act as a companion for a person who needs care. 

They can take care of any meal preparation, shopping, cleaning, or other simple tasks on a short term basis.

The Help Of A Companion

A Respite Zone

For shorter breaks, the carer can set up what is known as a respite zone. This is an area that the caregiver can retreat to whenever they are within their own home and need a place to take some time for themselves while another trusted individual takes the reins on caregiving duties.

Why Do Caregivers Need Respite Care?

Respite care is not only crucial for the overall health and mental state of the caregiver but is also really important for the person who is requiring care. Without periods of respite, the caregiver is susceptible to experiencing feelings of extreme stress.

This can lead to anger and resentment towards the person who needs care, and that is only going to end in further exhaustion and more burnout. An exhausted caregiver will not offer the same level of care as someone who has been taking regular rest.

After receiving a period of respite care, the caregiver is often far more relaxed, refreshed, and rested. By feeling less stressed, the caregiver will also be able to approach their caregiving tasks with increased patience and a far more positive attitude. This will then, in turn, improve their relationship with the person who needs care.


If you have questions about the importance of respite care for carers, 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.