For many, Easter is a very special holiday and often one that evokes nostalgic memories of spending time with family – whether that’s decorating Easter bonnets, eating Easter eggs or baking delicious hot cross buns from a traditional family recipe.
Despite the many health benefits of eating chocolate Easter eggs – such as reducing the risk of stroke, releasing endorphins and helping to reduce memory loss – for many who receive care, Easter can be a time of mixed emotions if their regular caregiver is having time off for some well-earned recuperation. For some, it can mean a short stay in a respite unit whilst their carer takes a break, which can be quite unsettling.
Being away from the comforts of your own home and possibly a beloved partner or pet is a daunting thought. Yet respite care in your home can alleviate these worries and allow your carer to recharge their batteries and for you to enjoy the company and conversation of a different friendly face.
The importance of respite care during Easter
So why have respite care at all during Easter? For many carers across the UK, looking after a loved one is an extremely rewarding job, but also very tiring – physically and emotionally. Paired with juggling work and family commitments can mean that a short-term solution is vital for well-being. The extended bank holiday could be the perfect time to take a break and enjoy the delights of spring (sunshine not guaranteed!). This doesn’t mean that the care your loved one expects should be diminished in any way; what’s important is that you find a solution that suits both of you.
It’s not just a carer that can take a break during Easter. Helping Hands’ carers are able to accompany you on holiday – whether that be a day at the seaside, or a journey further afield for a weekend city break or soaking up the sun abroad. We can even come with you and your regular caregiver so that you can both enjoy some quality time together.
There are plenty of respite holidays available provided by organisations such as Revitalise, that are fully supported for those with additional needs or living with conditions such as dementia. Providing relaxing breaks for adults with different needs, there’s a whole host of activities and trips to choose from.
How a Live-in Carer can help during the Easter holidays
A live-in carer will do exactly that – live with you in your home for as long as you need and assist with your care needs. It can be quite daunting to welcome someone new into your home, especially if it’s only temporary, but a live-in carer can often be an ideal solution if your regular caregiver will be away for a few days or more.
Being surrounded by the familiarity of your home comforts is reassuring for both you and your family. It allows you the freedom of choice and sticking to your own rules and timetables, something that isn’t always viable in residential care. It also provides peace of mind for both you and your carer that you are receiving a bespoke package of care centred entirely around you.
It may be that your carer just needs a few hours away to prepare an Easter egg hunt for their little ones and needs someone to sit with you to keep you company and do a few household duties. Respite care is available to suit both of your needs and fit in with your existing schedule – whether that be someone popping in every day over the Easter break or someone living with you over the four-day weekend.
How live-in care makes a difference to you and your loved ones
It can be a difficult step to take when deciding on respite care. Feelings of guilt, apprehension and uncertainty are all factors in sometimes delaying this tough decision. Yet it can be an extremely important for both you and your loved one to have a bit of time apart and for you to recharge your batteries.
As a carer, it can be incredibly beneficial to take a break in order to rest both physically and mentally. According to Carers UK, 61% of the carers they spoke to said that they had suffered physical ill health as a result of caring, with that figure rising to 72% for mental health issues. Caring for someone you love can sometimes mean that your perspective is sometimes clouded, and you may not have the support that you need. It’s important to take time to revive yourself and get a renewed perspective on how and why you care for your loved one.
A change of scenery is great for both of you; meeting a new carer for a short period of time can be great for conversation and they may know of some fascinating places they can take you. Perhaps there’s a new café that’s recently opened that also holds craft workshops. Or they may have the best recipe for hot cross buns that you can bake together for a tasty Easter treat!
To find out more about respite care with Helping Hands, click here or give us a call and one of our friendly advisers will be able to talk through different options available to you and your family.
