It isn’t uncommon for family members to step up and become full-time carers for loved ones as illness and health conditions prevent them from being able to look after themselves. Being a primary caregiver can be incredibly rewarding. However, it is also quite demanding, and everyone needs a break once in a while. Respite care provides this break. But when should you consider respite care as part of your care plan?
Not everyone will recognise the need for respite care, and sometimes it can be a tough pill to swallow. This is why, at LuxuryCare, we offer completely flexible respite options, from day care to stays that last a month or more. Our care homes provide a break that can be as long as you need it, when you need it. Our friendly team will also help you understand when and why you might benefit from respite care services.
In this blog, we will share when you might want to consider respite care for your loved one.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is when your loved one receives care from another caregiver, usually a professional, so that you, their primary caregiver, can take time to complete errands, relax and take care of yourself.
This service comes in many different forms, such as day centres, home visits from external carers or a stay at a care home.
Stays at a care home can provide residential or nursing care, depending on your loved one’s needs and can vary in length to suit your needs.
Discover more in our detailed blog that explains exactly what respite care is and its benefits.
When To Consider Respite Care?
There are many advantages to respite care for both the caregiver and the care receiver. However, the decision to use this service is often a difficult one because the caregiver feels guilty about it. But there is no reason to feel guilty as there are several scenarios when you and your loved one will benefit from it.
What are these scenarios?
After Illness or a Hospital Stay
Illness or operation recovery can be intense, and your loved one is likely to need a higher level of care than usual. Operation recoveries or illnesses can often inhibit movement, making it difficult for your loved one to move around or dress themselves, or they are on more medication, which you need to control.
In this situation, a longer-term respite stay at a nursing home might be a good idea. The nursing home will be able to provide the perfect level of care while they recover while also encouraging them to become independent again.
The staff at a nursing home will be able to manage their medication, as well as offer assistance with the day-to-day tasks such as getting dressed or bathing.
Finally, nursing homes usually have a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who visits to help your loved one gain mobility and stay as active as possible during recovery.
All of our care homes can provide respite care for the length of time your loved one needs for recovery with all of the services above.
Call us on 01202 037373 to learn more.
When Your Loved One Has A Medical Condition
If your loved one has a long-term medical condition, it can take its toll on you.
Many caregivers will shrug off the impact a medical illness can have on them, stating that they aren’t the ones in pain or suffering from memory loss or whatever the symptoms might be.
However, the demands of long-term health conditions will put physical, emotional and mental strain on you as a caregiver.
Respite care gives you space to process emotions, whether this be through talking to friends and family, a therapist, or simply doing some exercise. In this instance, regular respite breaks might be beneficial for everyone as they take away the strain at intervals over a long period of caring.
If this is something you might be interested in, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team, who can discuss putting a plan in place to help you and your loved one. Call us on 01202 037373.
Your Life Events
Sometimes it might not feel like it, but you have a life of your own to lead. And it is ok to ask for help so you can remember that.
Whether you have a big life event coming up, such as your own wedding, are moving house or are taking time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, such as celebrating a friend’s birthday or wedding, or are going on holiday, respite care gives you space and freedom.
Considering respite care to cover these times enables you to live your life to the fullest as you can be confident that your loved one will be receiving the quality care they need.
If you are looking for care for a day, a week or longer, our care homes can help. Call us today to learn more at 01202 037373.
For A Break
As rewarding as care can be, sometimes you just need time to soak in a bath, go for a run or catch up with a friend.
Providing care can be intense at times, so if you start to feel overwhelmed or even burnt out, you should start thinking about respite care.
The break can last as long as you want it to, so you get time to yourself to refresh and re-energise, meaning that you will be able to provide better care for your loved one when they return home.
Don’t forget, just because you are taking a break doesn’t mean you can’t see each other. LuxuryCare homes have unrestricted visiting hours, so you can still swing by and spend time with your loved one whenever you want to.
Think You Should Consider Respite Care?
If you are reading this and are now thinking about including respite care in your loved one’s care plan, get in touch with us now.
We can work with you to provide the best care possible for your loved one, whether you are looking for a one-off or a regular schedule of care.
No matter the length of time your loved one is with us, they will have a bespoke care plan so you can rest assured that they will receive the exact care they need, with preferences and requirements all taken into consideration.
Our care homes in Bournemouth and Poole provide the perfect setting for a break, offering your loved one the opportunity to explore the beaches, towns and parks that Dorset boasts.
Each home can provide comprehensive dementia care if needed and has been designed with this in mind. With visual cues and signage around the homes, they are easy to navigate despite potentially struggling with memory.
When staying at our care homes, your loved one will be encouraged to participate in our exciting activities programme and join our days out. They will also get to enjoy our modern and luxurious facilities and home-cooked meals.
We always encourage you and your loved one to visit our care homes before booking a stay so that you can get a feel for the home, see some of the activities we arrange and chat with some of the residents and staff about life there.
Book a visit or respite stay today by calling us on 01202 037373 or completing our online contact form to request a callback.
