A Guide To Respite care
In this day and age, people are living for longer and thankfully modern science is enabling our elderly to live a long and full life. More so than ever before, people are choosing to live independently into their later years and staying in their own home is incredibly important for lots of people. Although they still live alone, elderly people do tend to require assistance with various day-to-day tasks, requiring help from family and friends.
This care can quickly become relied upon causing some issues when the caregiver isn’t able to be around. In this instance, some will turn to respite care. Many people will have heard of respite care, however, it isn’t always understood fully. To help any caregivers, Companions Of London have put together a complete, easy to understand, guide to respite care.
What is respite care?
Respite care is the term used for services designed to give primary caregivers a break from caring. A qualified carer will take over the caregiver’s duties for as little or as long as it is required.
Are there different types of respite care?
There are many different respite care options. They range from getting a volunteer to sit with the person you look after for a few hours, to a short stay in a care home so you can go on holiday. Here are some of the most frequently used types of respite care:
- Respite daycare
This type of care is when an elderly person goes to a specific place of care where they will meet people of a similar age and participate in enjoyable activities. Daycare may be privately run, or it could be run by a charity or local council.
- At-home respite care
This type of care is when someone will come to the property of the person you look after. It is incredibly flexible and can be tailored exactly to the needs and wishes of the elderly person.
- Respite holidays
This type of care is used when you are going away for a few days. Your loved one can go to a special centre where they can have their own holiday, so to speak. They are looked after so that you don’t have to worry whilst you’re away.
Why is respite care important?
Being a primary caregiver is a lot to handle, especially if you are working full time and taking care of the rest of your family at the same time. Caring for an adult can be physically and emotionally demanding. Sometimes, you just need a break. You will then be able to care better if you feel strong, healthy and rested in yourself, benefitting both you and your loved one.
What services does respite care offer?
Respite care can generally provide every service that you would usually provide your loved. For example, they will receive:
- Supervision
- Companionship
- Attending appointments
- Cooking
- Shopping
- Housework
- Mobility assistance
- Medication prompting
- Personal care
- Nursing care
The services will usually differ depending on whether you’ve arranged at-home care or your loved one goes to a special centre. You can also request specific care if required and the respite care can be tailored to your loved one’s needs.
How do I organise private respite care?
There are many different respite home care providers who will all offer a range of different types of private respite care for the elderly. What is available to you will depend on your budget, how much care you loved one requires and the services available locally to you. It is always worth doing your research properly and taking the time to look into the companies who can provide you with in-home respite care, after all, they will be taking care of your loved one so you only want the best.
If you’re looking for a reliable in-home care service then turn to Companions Of London. We are able to provide you with the high-quality care that you are looking for. The respite carers in our team can provide as much or as little support as needed on a short term basis, gladly tailoring our services for your loved one. Therefore, please don’t hesitate to reach out, Companions Of London are here for you.