Respite care is important for both carer and patient. Simply put, the person receiving care can be looked after by someone else to give their regular carer a break – and to give them a change of scenery and different company.
Why is respite care important?
Caring for another person is a big commitment. Depending on the person’s needs, you may be completing personal care such as helping them shower, or assisting them with day to day living, including taking medication and eating. It often falls to carers to transport the person they care for to appointments, and to manage their prescriptions, admin and house, too.
Being a carer therefore can be quite tiring and it stands to reason that most carers will require a break from time to time. This is why respite care is so essential. It allows the carer to rest, take some time to practice self-care, and potentially even go on a holiday.
Respite care options
There are quite a few different options when it comes to the type of respite care. Some people may be able to attend a day centre, where there are often activities, meals provided and entertainment. Other people may be able to access a short stay in a care home or assisted living facility. And others still may be able to take advantage of respite care and stay in their own home, thanks to paid carers who can come in and look after them for a period of time.
The latter is often a good option, because home is familiar. It is particularly beneficial for older patients who may feel safer and more comfortable staying at home, according to Age UK.
For people who need a little support to live at home, advances in technology can be very helpful – with things like wireless call buttons, which can be used in emergencies, available from specialists such as www.dinggly.com/products/wireless-call-buttons.
To apply for respite care, the first port of call is often your local council, who can advise on what options are available.
