What to Expect During a Respite Care Visit
Understanding the Purpose of Respite Care
“Respite care is the term used for services that enable you to take a break from caring by temporarily caring for the person you usually care for.” That is Age UK’s definition of respite care, and at Helping Hands we believe that every carer should look after themselves as well as they look after others. Many family carers feel guilty about taking time out or having a decent break, due to worries about the person they care for and feeling guilty about leaving them.
Many loved ones presume that to have respite care the person will need to move out of the home they love and into residential care, yet that couldn’t be further from the truth. By having respite care at home, you get to have an essential break, while they get to remain comfortably in their home. It’s a win-win situation!
How Respite Care Is Planned and Scheduled
Respite care at home from Helping Hands is planned and designed around the person being cared for. We don’t believe in ‘one size fits all’ home care; we’ll build their package of care around their routine and make sure that they live as well as possible at home, however long we’re with them. We offer respite care on both a visiting and live-in care basis, so we’ll definitely be able to manage their needs effectively, whether they need us to call in once a day or live in around the clock.
Preparing Your Loved One for a Respite Care Visit
It’s important to make sure your loved one is aware of the changes that are going to occur when they have respite care. You may be reluctant to tell them that you’re going away as you’re worried it’ll upset them or make them anxious, however it would be much worse for them to discover someone unexpected is caring for them.
Explain that you are going away for a break but reassure them that you will be back. Perhaps you could give them a calendar so that they could mark off each day that you’re not there, so they can see when you’ll be back. Introduce them to the person who’ll be caring for them, if possible, or overlap the first day they attend so that you can be there as well.
What Happens During the First Respite Care Visit
The assessment will be carried out before the care is due to begin, so that a care plan can be put together and the carer’s duties established. Depending on whether they are having a visiting carer or someone living in, determines when the carer arrives. For instance, if they’re going to live in, they’ll likely arrive in advance of when you’re planning to leave, so that they get to know your loved one while you’re still there. You can discuss with the care manager when you want the care to begin and end.
The Role of the Caregiver During Respite Care
There are many different roles that the caregiver can fill while supporting someone in their home. This includes preparing meals, administering medication, undertaking personal care, and doing housework. They also provide essential companionship, which will help to prevent them becoming lonely or isolated. Live-in carers are there around the clock which also gives you and your loved one reassurance that they’ll never be alone in the house.
How Routine, Comfort, and Safety Are Maintained
Because we devise a plan of care that is based on the person’s everyday routine, you can be sure that we’ll respect the way they wish to spend their days. We get to know them and listen to what they tell us, so that there are no surprises for them or us when care commences. We’re experts in supporting conditions such as dementia too, and the carers will be able to keep your loved one comfortable and safe, regardless of their situation.
Communication with Families During a Respite Care Visit
We can keep you up to date with how your loved one is getting on, or help them to let you know themselves. They may need support to use a phone or tablet, but that’s just another way that their carer can be of help. Perhaps you’d like their carer to organise a video chat for you both, or you’d like them to send regular pictures or videos. And of course, your local care manager will always be available to answer any questions or reassure you.
How Respite Care Supports Both Clients and Family Caregivers
Helping Hands have been supporting people to live comfortably and independently in their own homes since 1989, that’s 36 years of exemplary care. We offer peace of mind and a solid reputation across England and Wales, making sure that if caregivers need to take a break, they can do so without worrying about the safety and comfort of their loved ones. It’s no surprise that we’re the nation’s most trusted home care provider.
