Being a daily caregiver for others can be rewarding, especially if they are a loved one but it’s important to take a break if you need one. However, finding the balance between full-time care support and fulfilling our own needs is often challenging. What if there was a way to take time out to look after yourself, whilst the person you care for is looked after by someone else?
And that’s where respite care comes in.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care offers professional and personalised care support that enables a temporary break for you as a caregiver, whilst those being cared for are looked after. From as little as a few hours of help at home, to short-term stay in a care home for a few days. By providing support from professionals, respite care allows full-time caregivers the opportunity to rest, recharge and get things done.
Whether you’re going on holiday or just need a break; there are many types of respite care solutions that are suited to your needs. The financial cost of respite care ultimately comes down to your individual requirements and the person being cared for. Fortunately, care plans are tailored to each client and range from options including:
- Respite Care for a few Hours
- Respite Care for a Day
- Overnight Respite Care
- Weekend Respite Care
As a caregiver, you can even seek respite care in advance if you are due to be in hospital for an extended period – the earlier you plan, the more peace of mind you can have.
The Benefits of Respite Care
It’s important to realise that taking a break doesn’t mean you’re letting down the person you’re caring for. If anything, it could help you do a better job at caring for them.
Caring for someone full-time, whilst fulfilling, can be demanding. Not taking breaks could lead to effects on your own health such as burnout, irritability and increased stress. In an environment where your compassion and attentiveness are key, these effects could have negative repercussions on your ability to care for others. By seeking respite care, caregivers are provided a chance to take a break and an opportunity to improve productivity in the long run.
Respite care also allows those being cared for to be in new environments, see new faces and meet new people. By expanding their social bubble and experiences, it can help them with feelings of isolation which is common for elderly people receiving care. This can also lead to an improvement in their relationship with their caregiver for a multitude of reasons, such as alleviating their potential feelings of encumbrance or having new stories to share from their time apart.
Reaching Out
At Sweet Tree, we are familiar with the experiences of those on either side of the care spectrum, from providing to receiving. With a team of dedicated support workers, we know what it takes to provide effective care and are committed to maintaining our high standards. We understand that the process of arranging care can be daunting, so we are committed to helping you in every way we can, sticking by your side to ensure all your doubts and concerns are addressed.
Our dedicated team will work with you to design an individual care package centred around you and your loved ones’ needs. We’ll match you with a caregiver who fits certain preferences or can offer specialist care conditions such as:
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s disease
- Brain injury and neurological conditions
- Stroke recovery
- Surgical recovery
- Cancer
- And more.
Furthermore, our carers are required to provide regular support records that will keep you updated on the progress of your care plan. If needed, every 3 months, we will review the conditions of your care to ensure your journey is running smoothly and adapt to changing circumstances. By choosing Sweet Tree, you’re putting those you care for in the hands of experts and professionals, ensuring that they receive what’s best for them, whilst you refresh for a return to caring for them better than before.
Get in touch with our friendly team. We know that every individual is unique, and so are their needs. We can discuss and tailor our support to you.