Respite care provides much-needed support for you and your carer. It’s a great option for receiving care when your carer is planning to go on a holiday or to look after other members of the family, or even just for a break. There are great benefits to receiving respite care, and we’ll uncover them in this article.
Your carer can look after their mental health
There is no doubt that looking after another person takes a toll on the mental health of carers. If your carer doesn’t take a break from providing support, they are more likely to burn out. Burning out can leave you without your carer for a longer period of time than if they take shorter breaks, often.
It gives you the chance to connect with a new community
Aged care home providers are filled with diverse people from different backgrounds. When you receive respite care, you’ll be able to connect with like-minded people and gain new friends; which might not happen when you’re living in your own home.
You have access to rich lifestyle programmes
Respite care often includes access to lifestyle programs, filled with rich and varied activities. From performing daily tai chi, to arts and crafts, you’ll have no shortage of things to fill your time. It’ll feel almost like being on holiday. Some homes even have salons where you can get your hair washed and treated, or your beard shaved.
There many factors to consider when trying to find the perfect residential home. Respite care gives you or your loved one a chance to try homes out first-hand. Because, at the end of the day, a residential aged care home can look great on paper, but you’ll never know if it’s the right fit until you’re living there.
Respite care also helps those recovering from illnesses or injuries. If you or your loved one is coming out of hospital, and requires a higher level of care for a short time, then respite care is the perfect option.
Different respite care services
Short-term respite. This is the perfect option for when your carer needs a week off. Services will often include:
- Programs and activities
- Meals cooked on-site
- Experienced and highly trained carers on-site
Long-term respite. Long-term respite care is the perfect midpoint between shorter respite stays and becoming a full-time resident of an aged care home. You can access up to 63 days of respite care, and use them all in one go, or break them into two stages, for long-term respite care.
Alzheimer’s and dementia respite care
Some aged care home providers offer specialised support programmes for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. There will be safe and comfortable rooms to stay in, and registered nurses on-site 24/7.
Some providers even offer memory and reminiscence programs to support respite residents with these conditions.
So, whether a carer needs a break, or a loved one wants to trial an aged care home, short-term and long-term respite care is the perfect solution.
James Wallace has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He holds a master’s degree in counselling from the University of Edinburgh.
