The Purpose of a Respite Break
Respite care offers an opportunity for a change of carer. Explore today how to prepare and what you should expect for your first Respite experience., whether it’s to give existing caregivers a break or temporary support while you recover from an accident or hospital stay. Our carers are naturally compassionate and highly trained, so you can be assured that they’ll take incredible care of the people who mean the most to you. Having a carer come to you and deliver respite care in your own home is much less disruptive than having to relocate to a care home for a week or two. You get to remain in familiar surroundings with the pets and possessions that mean the world still close by, rather than moving into a place you don’t know.
Helping Hands offer temporary support as well as permanent care, so that your loved ones can take a break, safe in the knowledge that you’re in expert hands for as long as you need us. We support people living with dementia, Parkinson’s, and a range of different conditions, from age-related frailties through to palliative care.
What Respite Care Offers for Families and Individuals
Respite care from Helping Hands offers families the chance to go on holiday, visit family, or just take some time off to rest and recharge, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is receiving the highest standards of care. We have 155 branches across England and Wales, meaning that wherever you are you have access to our exceptional home care. We’ve been delivering care solely in our customers’ homes since 1989, so it’s no surprise that we’re the UK’s most trusted provider.
When Is the Right Time for a Respite Break?
Only you will know when the right time for a respite break is; however, several circumstances necessitate respite care and may prompt you to get in touch. If family are providing the bulk of a person’s care, then they will need to have regular breaks to prevent burning out. This could be to take a family holiday or just to relax at home, away from their caregiving responsibilities.
Equally, if you or a loved one already has professional carers looking after them, those carers will also need to take a break from time to time. Whether your day-to-day care is provided by Helping Hands or not, we will be able to seamlessly provide your respite care with minimal disruption to your daily routines.
Planning Ahead to Ease the Transition
Planning ahead is always preferred when arranging respite care; however, we understand that sometimes emergencies happen or unexpected circumstances can arise. Perhaps you’ve had a fall and you need some extra help to aid your recovery, or your regular carer has become ill and you need someone to deputise quickly. Therefore, whether you’re able to plan ahead or not, we can help ease you into your respite experience and make sure it’s as seamless as possible.
Scheduling and Duration of Care Visits
We can support you from just a few days up to a few weeks of respite care. If you need us longer than originally expected, we may recommend you move onto permanent care so that you’re receiving the most cost-effective support.
Preparing a Personalised Care Plan in Advance
As soon as you get in touch with us about respite care we’ll begin planning your support. Your local manager will come to your home and discuss your requirements and they’ll then build your care plan around your needs.
Sharing Life History and Preferences with the Care Team
The more information you can provide, the better we can support you. We’ll build your care plan based on what you tell us, ensuring we provide the most tailored care experience possible and give you personalised service.
Staying Connected During the Break
If your loved ones are going on holiday, that doesn’t mean they won’t be thinking about you. Where appropriate, we’ll keep in touch with them so that they can see you’re receiving amazing care, and your carer can help you to call them if you’d like to, and if they’re contactable.
Setting Up Calls, Messages, or Visits
Your carers can help with technology such as using a mobile phone, WhatsApp, Messenger, and video calling, so that your loved ones can see that you’re well and happy. If they’re out of contact – such as on a cruise – they’ll keep you occupied until able to get in touch.
Encouraging Positive Feedback
Our carers appreciate feedback about the support they’re providing, and if there’s something you need that they’re not aware of, they’ll always do their best to understand what it is. If your care plan needs revising then they’ll contact their manager and let them know.
Monitoring Wellbeing Without Hovering
Our carers are discreet and knowledgeable without crossing boundaries. They understand your home is your castle, and while they are there with you, they treat it and you with the respect and professionalism that you’d expect from Helping Hands every single day.
How Helping Hands Can Support You Through the Respite Process
Our knowledgeable local care teams across England and Wales will be able to guide you through the process of respite care. They’ll describe your options and ensure that the plan of care built for you includes all your preferences and reflects your daily routines. We also have a centralised customer care team available seven days a week, so no matter when your respite needs arise, even if it’s an emergency, we can help. We have the industry’s best carers ready to support you with your respite care needs, and because we recruit and employ our own carers, we can vouch for each and every one of them. We undertake careful screening of their references and background when we hire them and ensure they receive all the necessary training. We look after them as well as they look after you, ensuring that they’re highly motivated every single day.
