Whether you have chosen to look after your loved one yourself, or the responsibility has fallen on you, caregiving can be incredibly rewarding. However, everyone needs a break every now and then to take some time for themselves.
Respite care allows you to do that.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is designed to give the carer a break from their caregiving responsibilities. It can come in many forms, from a carer coming to your house, to the care receiver going to a day group once a week for a few hours. Many carers will need some form of respite care to prevent burnout, relieve stress and restore energy.
If you are looking for something a little more long term, the care receiver can go into a nursing home that offers respite care for a short amount of time.This time will mean you can go on holiday, or catch up with friends and family members, or complete that project you have been wanting to complete, while knowing that they are being well looked after.
Respite care also has benefits for your loved one who is receiving the care. A change of scenery can provide new stimulation, and variety to their lifestyle. Not to mention the benefits of socialising with the other residents.
Scenarios to use respite care
Many people find the decision to use respite care can be difficult, and is riddled with guilt. But often after taking a break, they are able to provide better care for their loved one. So, below we have compiled a list of instances when respite care at a nursing home might be a good option for you and your loved one.
After an illness or a stay in hospital
If your loved one is recovering from an illness or operation they can often require a higher level of care and attention. Maybe they need further help with moving and getting about, or there are more medications to think about administering. Either way, more focus and attention is needed from you.
By putting your loved one into a nursing home, such as Country Lodge, you can rest assured that they are getting the exact care they require from experts. Meaning that you can take a breather and look forward to having them home and getting back to caring for them once they have recovered.
At our care home in Worthing we offer respite care for 2 or more weeks, where your loved one will have the care and support of our experienced and knowledgeable nursing team 24 hours a day.
Call our Registered Manager, Debbie Spokes, on 01903 830600 to find out more about having a loved one stay with us for some respite care.
When your loved one has a medical condition
As they age your loved one is likely to develop more conditions which, as they progress, can become more and more difficult for you to manage.
In addition to the mental and potentially physical strain that this can put on you, it can take an emotional toll on you as you are watching your loved one get older and more frail.
Respite care from a nursing home like Country Lodge will allow you to take time to process the emotions you are feeling, so that when you are with your loved one, you are able to enjoy it and make the most of it.
If you have a few questions about how our respite care works, fill out the form on our contact us page and we will get back to you with all the answers.
Life events
Yes, you are a carer, but you also have your own life to lead. From our experience, we know that sometimes that can be easy to forget. Whether you are preparing for your own wedding, or attending someone else’s or would like to go away on holiday, respite care will enable you to do all these things with a peace of mind that your loved one is being well cared for.
For a break
You are only human, and it is ok to need a rest from the pressure and responsibilities of caring for your loved one. It can be both physically and emotionally draining, and this can get on top of you occasionally.
If you are starting to feel burnt out and stressed out, then respite care will offer you time to relax and recharge. It is important that you listen to your body and its needs so that you can stay on top when looking after your loved one.
Utilising our respite care at our care home in Worthing will allow you to take 2 weeks (or more) to yourself to restore your energy and do the things that you enjoy. Of course, just because your loved one isn’t with you, doesn’t mean you can’t visit, but it will allow you to enjoy their company without having to think and worry about what your next job is.
Looking for respite care?
We get that it can be hard to know when to use respite care, so we hope that this article will help you understand how and when it could help you.
If you would like to learn more about the respite care we provide, why not book a viewing of our home by calling us on 01903 830600 or emailing manager@countrylodgenursing.co.uk. We are always happy to chat with you about how we work, and show you our home.