It can be a regular break or a one-time event. Respite can be provided in the home or at a care facility. Let us take an example to understand the meaning of respite care better. Suppose in your home there is one person who is sick or disabled and you take care of him 24×7 and you need a small break to enjoy your own life, so respite care is the key to unlocking your busy schedule. Depending on the person’s health condition it can be divided into two parts: long-term and short-term respite care.
Types of respite care
Home
In this, you can hire a person from the organisation on a temporary basis or permanent basis based on the condition of the patient. In this, the respite care providers will take care of and live with you 24×7. They become your friend or companion and all of your work is done by them, even the smaller ones. They help you with medication, washing your clothes, bathing, dressing and food. There are varieties of home respite care providers like skilled health care, personal care provider, trained staff and volunteers.
Out of home
The adult day centre is an out-of-the-home type of respite care where you can take your loved ones to these centres for a few hours or even a day. Adult day centre has skilled workers who can help the patient in different classes like exercise, games, singing and food. These centres are of two types – one is paid and the other is non-profit. These centres will provide three times meals and a positive environment.
Another type of out-of-home respite care is residential respite care like MAACG respite care. In this, you can shift your seniors who cannot take care of themselves to an apartment or residence for a few weeks where they have trained staff who can take care of them and for a few days you can feel free to go on vacation.
Benefits of respite care
Relaxation
You can feel free to go to the mall for shopping or a library or movie theatre. You can do anything that pleases you, relax your mind and decrease your heart rate.
Energy
To do things effectively in your daily life or busy life, you need to be energised. Even the vehicle won’t run on empty.
Freedom
Everyone wants a little space in their life – respite care gives you that chance to enjoy your independence.
Social engagement and identity
There is a big problem for caregivers in that they become isolated from society due to responsibility. They don’t have enough time to hang out with their friends and relatives, and they lose their identity, but respite care helps a lot.
Every person in this world is troubled by something. One out of four people is suffering from mental or physical health. Old age is a susceptible age, and they need more care and comfort to live happy and fruitful life. So, take care of loved ones, especially older ones.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
