What is Respite Care?
According to the NHS, “Respite care means taking a break from caring while the person you care for is looked after by someone else.”
When you are looking after a loved one with dementia, it can be challenging. Having respite care allows you to take time out for yourself and enables you to recharge your batteries. We understand you may feel guilty, but caring for yourself is essential. After all, you need to be well enough to look after your loved one. So, whether you want to book a weekend away or go to your friend’s house for a cuppa, you can. With respite care, having that ‘me time’ is possible.
What types of Respite Care are available?
From family and friends to private carers, there are plenty of respite care options available so that you can take time out for yourself. Here are some options you may want to consider:
Help from family and friends
You may have friends or family members that are happy to help when you need them. They can either stay in your home while you are away or if your loved one likes a change of scenery, they can stay with them.
Private home care company
Your loved one can also receive care from a private carer. Carers can visit your loved one’s home and see them a few times a week or stay with them throughout the day and night. They are trained to help with their daily routine, including running errands, accompanying them to medical appointments, managing the household and providing the companionship they need.
Hobbies and interests are important. For example, if your loved one likes to bake, do sudoku puzzles or cheer on their team on match day, carers will encourage your loved one to invest time in what they enjoy. After all, this will benefit their memory and overall mental well-being.
Furthermore, remaining at home benefits individuals with dementia, as it provides a sense of familiarity. Staying in a familiar environment and maintaining a routine allows individuals to feel calm and less anxious, as they know what to expect. It also helps to retain their independence too.
How to Find Respite Care
You can simply contact a private home care company to arrange respite care. At Helping Hands, all you need to do is speak to our friendly customer care advisors, who will provide you with the information you need. You can either contact them via phone or talk to them online. However, if you prefer speaking to a member of the team in person, then you can pop into one of our local branches near you. We will then schedule a visit where a member of the Helping Hands care team will assess your care needs to ensure the right care is provided.
At Helping Hands, we provide respite care for dementia patients within both visiting care and live-in care. So, whether you need someone to visit a few hours a day while you are away, running errands or need a carer to stay overnight, this can be arranged.
Overcoming Concerns with Respite Care for Dementia Patients
It’s natural to have concerns with respite care, especially when your loved one is living with dementia. Here are a few concerns you may be experiencing, but we will endeavour to ensure that respite care will benefit you and your loved one more than you can imagine.
Feeling guilty
It’s natural to feel guilty about leaving your loved one, but don’t feel you’re expected to do everything on your own. If you take on too much, it can lead to you burning yourself out and inability to look after your loved one. Don’t feel you are being selfish. Whether you’d like to visit a friend for a few hours or go away for a weekend, looking after yourself is essential for your physical and mental well-being.
Financial costs
Cost is always a concern, but you or your loved one may be eligible for social care funding from your local authority. The local authority will carry out a financial assessment to see if you are entitled to receive support. This can include Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit and Carer’s Allowance. So, it is worth getting in touch with your local council for more information.
Reliability of care
It is natural to be concerned about trusting your loved one in someone else’s care, especially if you are the primary caregiver. At Helping Hands, all our carers undergo a strict background check, so we know that we employ individuals we can trust. Plus, they are fully trained and supported throughout their career to provide outstanding dementia care for your loved ones.
For added reassurance, our services are fully regulated and monitored by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales. So, you can have complete confidence knowing your loved one will be provided with a compassionate, reliable and caring service.
Page reviewed by Kerry Whittingham, Regional Clinical Lead on September 9, 2023