Looking after an ageing, ill or disabled person can take its toll on the main or primary carer of that person. This can manifest itself in exhaustion, burnout, lack of proper sleep, poor eating habits, no time for chores, family, friends, leisure activities or other tasks that need doing and so much more. However, there is a solution to this situation and it comes in the form of in-home respite care. But what is respite care and why do you need to consider it for your loved one? Let’s take a look below.
Respite care definition and meaning
The primary carer of a senior or sick person has a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders. These can range from housekeeping to shopping, administering medication, assisting with toileting, bathing and dressing and so much more. After prolonged periods of such care, it’s typical for the main carer to get burnout as caring for another individual often requires patience, love, high levels of energy, understanding, etc. It’s normal for the two lives to become so intertwined but it’s even more difficult for a carer to admit that they need help. They may feel guilty that they’re facing burnout and may find it hard to call for help. But, there is a solution and it comes in the form of respite care.
So, what is respite care? It’s usually referred to as a short-term break for the primary carer who is substituted with another professional carer and who may either come in only for a few hours a day or spend days and possibly even weeks with the affected individual. This will all depend on the time that the main carer requires to get that respite that they so badly need. Sometimes, family and friends can step in to help, but this is often a temporary solution. What’s more is that such individuals may not have the full time or concentration required or even put in the right effort that a professional would put in. Hence, it’s essential to rely on trusted professionals for respite care in the UK in your loved one’s home to give them everything they need to live a comfortable time while the primary carer is away.
Now that you have a basic idea of respite care’s meaning, let’s take a look at what in-home respite care services can include.
What do respite care services involve?
Finding a substitute carer for your loved one while you are away from them for a certain period of time can seem like a daunting task. After all, you’ll be letting a stranger into your home to look after one of the most precious people in your life. How trustworthy are they and can you be sure that these substitute respite carers will do as good a job as you when looking after your loved one? The answer is that you can rest assured to get the best possible care for them with a professional respite care service.
The most important thing to do is be clear about your loved one’s needs and expectations, their daily routines, their habits, what they do and don’t enjoy, their medication needs, etc. This will help prepare the respite carer to take better care of your loved one. Some of the responsibilities that you can entrust them with, depending on how long you’ll be away for, include:
- Nursing care needs
- Correct administration of medicine
- Support with mobility
- Support with personal care
- Continued companionship and emotional support
- Cooking and shopping
- Housekeeping chores
- Arranging for visits
- Outdoor activities
- Caring for pets (if any)
- And more!
This is just a short list of what you can expect from your respite carer. Remember to be as specific and detailed as possible so that your loved one gets the best carer while you are away, recovering, rejuvenating and refreshing yourself.
Looking for respite care specialist in the United Kingdom?
Calling in an expert for elderly home care may be scary. It’s not easy to let go of the reins and let someone else take care of your loved one for you. However, bear in mind that the longer you go without a break, the worse it can get for both you and your loved one. Respite care is something natural and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when help is needed. Luckily, there are respite care services that offer respite carers that are trusted professionals and who have been background checked for your peace of mind. There are many reasons you should consider hiring a professional for your loved one in their home. Being at home does not disturb their natural routines, does not take them to unfamiliar surroundings with new faces which can be overwhelming and most people prefer the comfort of their own homes as opposed to being put in daycare or nursing homes, even if it’s for a short period of time. Give your loved one the best while you recover. Choose in-home respite care.
