Caring for a loved one is not often viewed as a ‘job’. Many people take on caring roles for their children, partner or friend because they want to, and see it as an act of love and commitment. Despite this, caring roles are usually 24/7 and can be both rewarding and exhausting all at once.
This is why respite care plays a vital role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of our carers.
What is respite care?
Respite care is a short-term break for those who are caring for a loved one with a health condition or disability. It doesn’t always mean booking a plane ticket and heading overseas (although it can). More often than not, it’s a few days away to step back from your caregiving role, without the worry about the safety and wellbeing of your loved one. For some people, respite care can even be a day trip!
Some of the more common forms of respite care delivered to your loved one are:
- In-home support
- Overnight care
- Day programs
- Short stays in a care facility
Respite care services can range from help with basic tasks like meal preparation, bathing, or medication management, to more specialised care such as nursing or dementia support. While it gives carers a temporary reprieve, it also ensures their loved one continues to receive the care and attention they need during this time.
How does respite care work?
Respite care is different for everyone. For some families, they might be able to rely on the support of other family members to temporarily care for their loved one, and others might need to engage with a service provider.
The first step is to identify the time the carer would like respite and how often. From there, you can create a care plan to either organise family members’ support, or book in services with a registered provider.
Depending on the type of respite you are receiving, there can be some minor preparation work beforehand, like packing a bag if your loved one is visiting a respite care facility or preparing your medications and home setting for the in-home support.
If you would like to understand how respite care can work for your family, you can contact Focused Health Care
Who can access respite care?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to receive support for respite care. If your loved one has an Aged Care Package or NDIS Package, respite care services may be covered, depending on your individual plan.
Working with Focused Health Care
Focused Health Care is run by nurses and aims to provide quality, reliable and personal support to people of all ages and abilities. Respite care is an important part of our services, and we are privileged to care for people in their homes while their carers have a respite break.
We can support your loved one with:
- In-home care
- Medication and personal care
- Overnight support
- Meal preparation
- Home duties
You can leave all the caring to our qualified team, while you have a break and recharge. Contact our friendly team today to find out how we can support you to access respite care today.
Find out more about Respite care: https://www.focusedhealthcare.com.au/aged-care-support/respite-services/
