What does respite care involve and is it a suitable option for me?

Respite care is perfect for your loved one if their regular carer needs a break, whether that is a professional carer or another family member. Respite carer at home means there will be no gaps in care while they are away taking the much needed time to rest, relax and recuperate in order to continue to provide your loved one with care. Respite carers for elderly parents step in seamlessly to their regular care schedule. Respite care for senior people ensures that the carers who ensure the lives of your loved ones remain as independent as possible, that they are getting exactly what they need when they need it and ensure the wellbeing of your loved are able to take a step back and have a break but your loved ones care remains exactly on schedule.

Personalised care

Respite carers for family members provide personalised, one on one care in the environment your loved one feels most comfortable, their home. Moulding and evolving to your needs, a respite carer ensures your needs are being met and they remain independent while their regular carer takes time to relax and rest so they can continue to provide your loved one with the excellent and essential care they require.

A respite carer is here to help with:

• Laundry and ironing
• Preparing your favourite meals
• Cleaning and tidying the home
• Liaising with doctors
• Gardening
• Ensuring your home is kept clean and tidy to your standards
• Taking pets on walks
• Running errands such as grocery shopping
• Taking you to social events
• Home administration such as paying bills
• Organising activities
• Helping with a hobby
• Changing bed linen

Your security for your peace of mind

Respite care for senior people gives your loved ones the added peace of mind that you are in safe, capable and experienced hands. Having an extra able-bodied adult within the home adds another level of security. Respite care at home assures that there is someone on hand if you should have a fall at any point of the day or night and it also deters any uninvited visitors. Ensuring you feel safe and secure within your own home is a core aspect of respite care at home.

Emotional support going hand in hand with the physical support

Respite care is an excellent source of emotional support. While staying in your home for as long as possible is the goal, this can come with feelings of loneliness. Respite care services keep you in your home, in a familiar environment and surrounded by the things you love most but with the added benefit of companionship. As your loved ones become busier or even move away, having someone to share a cup of tea with or a friendly face to get groceries with can have an immense effect on your mental wellbeing.

Respite care agencies will make it a core requirement that your loved one has hobbies and interests that align with their respite carer so that they two can spend quality time together over a game of cards or working together on a hobby you share! They will have someone by their side, who really understands them and whatever it is they are going through.