Centred Based Respite

Caregiving can often be as draining as it is rewarding. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed at times by the emotional and physical strain while taking care of their elderly loved one. You may think you can handle it all on your own, but with your own needs, it can sometimes become overwhelming. That’s where respite care comes in.

• Respite care supports you and your carer by giving you both a break for a short period of time.
• It can help give you and your carer the time and space to do things independently.
• You can access respite care for a few hours, a few days, or longer – depending on your needs, eligibility, and what services are available in the area.

Respite care gives you a short break from caregiving so that you can spend some time on your own. It can help alleviate stress and improve the wellbeing of both the caregiver and the senior being cared for.

However, having someone outside the family to take care of your elderly loved one should be a thoughtful decision. You need a reliable caregiver who can provide equal emotional and physical support to your senior. Also, if you are planning to send the person in care to a facility, choose the one that can best accommodate his or her needs. Cost, level of training and services provided vary among caregivers, agencies, and respite care facilities.

It is recommended that you compare different respite care facilities or caregivers and understand the costs involved. Educating yourself with important factors associated with respite care helps you choose to find out the best caregiving support for your dear one.

Whether you have a respite caregiver who provides in-home service or you go to a facility, taking a break gives you much-needed personal time while giving you the peace of mind that your elderly parent is still properly cared for.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care provides a short but vital break to caregivers. In some families, an older adult is reliant on the minor care provided by the family. In other cases, the elderly require comprehensive care involving all levels of medical support and personal assistance.

When the caregiver or the family feels tired, a break is important to regain their energy. They may need assistance on a day to day basis. In some cases, the caregiver may need someone who can provide respite care for some time, while they travel or need some rest from the demanding task of taking care of their sick parent or grandparent. Respite care workers or facilities provide this type of support.

Respite care can vary in time from part-time a day to several weeks, or sometimes months. It encompasses a wide variety of services, including traditional home-based care, skilled nursing, home health, and short term institution care. It can take place in your own house, day-care centres, or at residential or nursing facilities that offer overnight stays.

Seeking respite care is not selfish. It eases the burden of family caregiving and prevents you from becoming exhausted, isolated, or burned out. If you’re overwhelmed by daily caregiving, your compassion and patience may wear thin. In this scenario, it may become harder to connect with the person you’re caring for.

A short break makes you more positive, energetic, and reinvigorated about your role as a caregiver. It can be an opportunity to pick new ideas to tackle problems you might be facing as a caregiver. At the same time, it provides a welcome change of routine to the elderly you’re caring for.