Caring for someone who has difficulty taking care of themselves is often taxing both physically and emotionally, and more so if they have dementia.
As a full-time carer, it’s vital that you are able to take a break from your caring duties should you need it, simply to avoid becoming so exhausted that you need care yourself. The purpose of respite care is to give you such a break from your caring duties.
What is respite care
Respite care involves having someone else take over your caring duties for a while so you have the opportunity to enjoy some free time. The kind of respite care you can access depends on the individual circumstances in which you provide care.
For instance, someone could take over your caring role for short periods, giving you a few hours off. Or the person you provide care for could spend a short time in a care home so you could take a longer break or go on holiday. Alternatively, the person you care for could attend a day care centre on a regular basis, giving you short but more frequent breaks.
The advantage of day care centres is that they offer social activities, a chance to make friends, and more. They may also provide transport, which may incur a charge.
How to arrange respite care
Respite care may be provided after an assessment of the person that you care for. Respite care should be provided by your local council if you are deemed to need it.
If you also need help to take a break or a holiday, your local council may provide financial help for that too, though you or the person you care for may have to help with the cost.
For your carer’s assessment you’ll need to show how you are coping with your own health and welfare, and if these are being adversely affected by being a carer. You’ll also be told what benefits or help you could get.
How long is respite care?
There is no definite time period set for respite care, which can be for just a few hours or a few weeks, depending on the kind of care you arrange, and the carer’s needs, and the type of care being delivered.
Generally speaking, the length of respite care is seen as a temporary measure simply to allow the normal carer to have some time off, though there are rules about how long they can take off if they receive carer’s allowance.
Respite care at Fairmile Grange.
We can provide flexible, temporary care and a welcoming, comfortable and friendly place to stay just when you need it. The length of your respite stay depends on availability, and can be from two to six weeks, though whether your stay is long or short, you’ll find that our care home is modern and purpose-designed for when you would appreciate a break and a hand with the everyday aspects of your life until you feel fully recovered.
