Generally speaking, opting for locally based services offers advantages over looking further afield. The same can be said when searching for respite care services. A carer that knows the local area, is familiar with healthcare services in the vicinity and can easily get to and from your loved one’s home is advantageous.
So, how do you go about finding the most suitable respite care near you? We will uncover what respite care involves, who it is for and things to bear in mind to help you plan the perfect respite care solution for you or your loved one.
What is respite care?
Respite care allows primary or family caregivers to take a break from caring, by providing short-term care cover for the person being cared for. It lets carers take time out to rest and recharge and prevents them from becoming exhausted and unable to do their jobs.
Respite care can be administered in a care home facility. However, more and more people are choosing home respite care as it is less disruptive and allows care recipients to remain in the comfortable surroundings of home. Live-in respite care aims for a seamless transition from one carer to the next, never compromising on quality and upholding a consistent standard of care.
For more information on respite care at home, take a look at our guide to live-in respite care.
Who is respite care for?
This form of short-term care is ideal for individuals who need care cover to bridge any gaps in their long-term care. Respite carers can step in to take over care when a usual carer is on holiday, taking a break, has an important appointment, is busy with other responsibilities, is ill, undergoing treatment, or is in recovery.
As with any line of work, carers need breaks. They may need time off to handle their own health concerns or family responsibilities. Equally important is that carers get the opportunity to recharge their batteries and enjoy a break from their carer duties. Whatever the reason, respite care offers a convenient short-term solution to cover any gaps in care.
What does respite care involve?
With respite care, the goal is to provide a stand-in carer to cover any breaks in care without affecting the standard of care received. An individual receiving care should not be left to feel like the quality of care has lessened. Also, a respite carer should support individuals in the same way as their primary carer, in line with their care plan and specific care needs.
As with long-term live-in care, respite care can be completely personalised to individual health needs and preferences.
Respite care commonly includes, but is not limited to:
- Mobility support
- Transportation to and from healthcare appointments and social engagements
- Help getting in and out of bed
- Medication management
- Nutritious meals prepared in line with dietary recommendations
- Light housekeeping
- Personal care, e.g. bathing, dressing and toileting
- Companionship and someone to talk to
- Facilitating hobbies and interests
Things to consider when finding respite care
Similarly to live-in care, finding the right respite care for you or a loved one requires careful thought. Some factors to bear in mind when searching for the perfect respite care service include:
Location
Finding a locally based respite carer is beneficial as they will be familiar with the area. Knowing where all the local services are is helpful when transporting an individual to their healthcare appointments, running errands and in case of emergency. An introductory care agency such as Country Cousins can put you in touch with a local carer providing respite care.
Experience
Opting for a respite care agency with years of experience in the field is advisable. Country Cousins has provided quality live-in care for over 60 years, so individuals and their families can rest assured that they will receive the best standard of care.
Home care
It is possible to receive respite care in a care home facility. However, if an individual wishes to remain in their own home and avoid the disruption of temporarily relocating, live-in respite care is the best option.
Live-in carer
If you opt for a live-in respite carer, there should be a private room available in the property for them to comfortably stay. Other prerequisites include access to the bathroom and cooking facilities, a comfy bed and lockable storage. This ensures that both parties are happy with the living and working arrangements.
How Country Cousins can help
Respite care at home is a practical solution to filling in any gaps in care, ensuring that you or a loved one are cared for consistently, day in and day out. At Country Cousins, an experienced respite carer can step in to support individuals with their specific care needs, maintaining their independence in their own homes.
With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable carer to support your loved one through any breaks in care with our respite care service. For more information on selecting respite care for you or your elderly loved one, check out our guide to respite care at home.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in respite care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706 should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
