Respite Care Homes

If you or your carer feels in need of a break, respite care can be a good option. Respite care is a temporary stay in a care home for you or you and your carer, or the temporary employment of a professional carer to come into your home. Respite care can provide extra levels of care while you recover from an illness or a stay in hospital and can also be a an opportunity to get to know a particular care home, if you are thinking of moving into one in the future.

Respite Care in your own home: A care provider can be employed on a temporary basis to come to your home and take over the duties normally provided by your own carer. This means that you can continue your own routine in your own home.

Respite Care in a care home or nursing home: It is not always easy to arrange temporary care as there has to be a place free in the care home. However many care homes keep rooms just for short-term care. You should make sure the care home has the facilities and staff with relevant experience to provide the support for your particular needs. It is a good idea to make a short list, then visit the care homes first so you can see the facilities for yourself and judge the “feel” of the place.

If you are a carer and the person you look after is nervous about “being put in a care home”, make it clear that a respite care home is not a permanent arrangement and perhaps explain it as a holiday for them rather than a break for you.

If you need extra care, you can ask your Social Services to assess you for respite care with nursing. Again, if you are finding your own care home, be sure to find one that can provide this extra level of nursing care.

Short-term breaks: There are many voluntary organisations and charities as well as private holiday companies that can offer specialised short breaks for you and your carer. You and your carer for may also be eligible to receive vouchers from your local council for short-term breaks.

Mark Sadler