Understanding Respite Care
Respite care means different things to different people. Some people feel respite care is only there to give carers a break, and while that is definitely a large part of why it exists, there is so much more to it than that. Some people also assume that if you need respite care you have to leave your own home and go to a care home temporarily, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
If you have questions about respite care, then you’ve come to the right place. Helping Hands have been providing exceptional respite care at home for decades, and we’ll answer all of your questions and let you know your options. If you’ve felt confused about respite care and whether it would work for you then you’re not the only one. Many people are hesitant at first as they are unsure what it involves. That’s why we’re setting the record straight around respite care.
Debunking the Most Common Myths
Debunking respite care myths is easy! You only have to ask us what options are available to you, and we’ll help you explore respite care possibilities! Whether you have visiting or live-in care, we will ensure you always receive the very highest standards of care at home.
Myth: Respite Care Means Abandoning Your Loved One
This couldn’t be further from the truth! Everyone needs a break from time to time, whether a carer or not. Caregivers work hard balancing their responsibilities with the rest of their lives, which is why they need well-deserved time off sometimes. With a personalised care plan and dedicated carers, you and your loved one will be very happy with the support they receive.
Myth: Only Full-Time Caregivers Need Respite
Anyone who cares for another person knows how exhausting it can be, no matter how often you do it. Being responsible for someone else puts pressure on a person, so it’s natural that every type of caregiver needs a break from their responsibilities sometimes. Whether you carry out care for someone every day or once a week, a change in the routine is always welcome.
Myth: Respite Care Is Too Expensive
Respite care is very reasonably priced, especially when you compare it to moving into a care home. There’s much more to think about than monetary price though; after all, what value can you place on not having to uproot? From the home you love? As a guide though, visiting respite care begins at £32.40 per hour and live-in from £345 per day.
Myth: Respite Providers Won’t Understand My Loved One’s Needs
We will always understand your needs at Helping Hands, whether you’re with us for a week or a year. That’s because we get to know you from the start and produce your care plan around exactly what you like to do. This means your loved ones can take a break, safe in the knowledge that you’re in the very best hands for as long as you need us.
Myth: Using Respite Care Means You’re Not a Good Caregiver
Utilising respite care has nothing to do with how good a caregiver you or your loved ones are. Knowing when to take a break and avoid burnout is actually the action of a very responsible carer. After all, you cannot support someone else if you have nothing left to give. Having an opportunity to go on holiday, catch up with friends or just spend time at home can do us all good.
Myth: Respite Care is Only for Emergencies
Respite care is for any time. While there’s no doubt it can be invaluable in an emergency, the everyday benefits of respite care at home cannot be overstated. Knowing that your loved one is in the environment they cherish, being fully supported while you get a break, is beyond precious. They get to be in familiar surroundings, while you get a break and peace of mind.
The Truth About Respite Care Benefits
If you are feeling pulled in all directions due to so many responsibilities, you may benefit from some respite care for your loved ones. This frees you up to have some time off, to spend in any way you wish.
Supporting Caregiver Health and Well-Being
Caring doesn’t just affect your physical health; it can be emotionally tiring as well. It’s impossible to care well for another person if you’re exhausted yourself, so regular time to yourself, to do things to boost your own wellbeing, is essential.
Enhancing Quality of Life for the Person Receiving Care
We all need a break from time to time, even from people we love. Just as it does a caregiver good to have a change, it’ll do you good as well. The old saying is “a change is as good as a rest,” and having someone else look after you for a while can be welcome.
Building a Sustainable Long-Term Care Plan
Respite care can be a useful way to ‘try out’ having professional care at home to see if it suits you. Most people prefer staying at home for their care whenever possible because you remain in the place you love and avoid the upheaval of moving. This is true long-term too.
Encouraging Confidence in Using Respite Services
Trying something new can be nerve-wracking. When you need additional support, you and your loved ones may believe that your only option is to move into residential care, as that’s where you get the best support, but that simply isn’t the case. We’ve been providing exceptional care in our customers’ homes since 1989, with thousands of people telling us what a difference we’ve made.
How to Find Trustworthy Providers
Finding a trustworthy provider is as simple as coming to Helping Hands. We’re fully regulated by both the Care Quality Commission and the Care Inspectorate Wales, which is something you don’t get from less trustworthy providers. With 155 branches across England and Wales, we’re not considered the UK’s most trusted home care provider for nothing.
Starting with Short-Term or Trial Visits
If you’re not sure what type of care you’d prefer, your local branch team will work with you to understand what best suits your needs. If you’d like to try visiting care for a while to see if it fulfils your expectations, then respite care is a great option. You can have someone come to you at regular intervals throughout the day, or live in your home with you full-time.
Talking Openly with Family and Loved Ones
One of the best ways to seamlessly organise care at home is to talk to your family and existing caregivers. They will want to give you their opinion and may well be the ones organising things for you anyway. Having open conversations about everyone’s expectations for care means there’s less likely to be ambiguity or confusion later on in the process.
Trust Helping Hands with Respite Care
You know that you can trust Helping Hands, but you don’t have to take our word for it. We have 4000 Trustpilot reviews that have been left by our customers and their loved ones, demonstrating that we are the number one choice for care at home in the UK. Some of the reasons for that include:
Employing our own carers – This means they only have to concentrate on caring for you, while we handle all the paperwork and carer management.
Paying above-average industry rates – We look after our carers as well as they look after you, including how much they earn, paid holidays, and a pension.
We choose people who are naturally caring – Our carers are highly motivated to support you because we only choose people with caring qualities.
