Respite care (also known as short term care) Is a temporary arrangement in which an expertly trained and qualified carer offers assistance for an elderly person or someone that requires extra support.
It can also be used as a way of letting their regular carer take a break from their duties. Short term care can be either residential care (allowing the patient to remain at home), nursing care, assisted living or specialised care for those with conditions such as dementia.
There are many benefits and advantages that
However, there are also disadvantages too that can come with putting a family into it. If you are unsure as to whether or not this type of care is right for your loved one, here is a list of the top pros and cons to make the decision a little easier:
Benefits of Respite Care
Respite care has numerous advantages that are going to help both the person receiving the care and the family members.
A Chance To Socialise
No matter what your situation, it’s always nice to be able to socialise. Respite care within a home gives you the opportunity to be in a different environment and meet new people that are usually around the same age.
Although your loved one might not want to leave their home at first, this social stimulation could help them to brave that fear. If they are still hesitant, however, then maybe a respite care centre that offers live-in care of regular visits might be a better option.
24 Hour Care
A great benefit that comes with respite care is that you can have a carer on call at all times. This will ensure that your family member is looked after throughout the day and they get the assistance they need.
Whether it’s help with the washing, helping them to shower, cooking them meals or assisting them in another way, it can be incredibly beneficial. It also means that if you’re not able to visit them as often, they will have someone there to keep them company throughout the day.
Professional Assistance
Regardless of how good our intentions are when taking care of elderly parents or other relatives, we must realise that sometimes you need professional help. When you sign on for respite care you will be adding a highly trained professional to your roster, and this can be a major bonus.
Respite care workers are going to be trained in everything they need to be able to take care of various situations that may come up. This is going to be especially helpful if you are dealing with a dementia patient, someone with physical disabilities, and the list really goes on. If you want the best care for your loved ones, sometimes a professional is the right choice.
Peace of Mind
Taking care of a loved one with physical or mental disabilities can not only put a huge load on your physically, but it can also be mentally exhausting. There is a continuous worry when it comes to taking care of others, and getting some help and assurance from respite care can work wonders.
You will find yourself worrying less about your loved one, and that will in turn reduce your stress levels and keep you more mentally grounded. It is impossible to put a price on peace of mind, and having it can make everyday life much easier to deal with. Having an extra set of hands could be a lifesaver.
It Will Take The Strain Off Of You
Now, this isn’t meant in a mean way. But if your mum or dad is currently living with you and you are providing them with the care that they need, it can sometimes be very stressful. When you offer for them to live with you, you essentially become their carer – especially if they are no longer mobile or are suffering from a condition.
Taking responsibility for them, the stress can start to encroach into your life. By considering respite care, you can have the peace of mind that they will still have the care that they need, without you having to be fully responsible for them every day.
This way, you can still visit them and keep the bond that you had with them, whilst keeping a divide from your home life. If they have a condition such as Alzehimers or dementia and they live with you, sadly you will start to notice the change in them.
They can get aggressive, aggravated, can become incontinent, etc. And that’s something that as their child, you shouldn’t have to witness – which is why respite care can be a viable option.
Disadvantages Of Respite Care
Everything is going to have its positives and negatives, as there is nothing perfect in this life. Respite care is a wonderful option for a lot of families, but there are some things to think about before jumping in.
The Cost
Unfortunately, respite care can be very expensive – especially when you are thinking of hiring a full-time carer. Depending on the company and the package that you choose, you might find that respite care is, sadly, out of reach for your budget.
But there is still no harm in trying – you can compare and contrast different companies before making a final decision. There are also charities out there that can offer funding for respite care – so it’s worth researching these before looking at other options.
Clashes in Personalities
As mentioned above, if your loved one doesn’t want to leave their home or has a condition, they might be reluctant to go into respite care.
It can seem at first, that there isn’t a care worker or program out there that will be the right fit. Adding stress to the situation and causing a rift between you, the process will be made a lot more difficult.
Personality Conflicts
Not everyone in this world is meant to get along, and when you bring a stranger into an intimate situation such as respite care, you may end up getting some clashing personalities.
It is essential that your loved one gets along with their respite worker, as it is more than just a person to help them physically.
If your loved one is more particular than most, it can be a huge hassle filled with headaches to find the right respite worker for them. So before you start interviewing and hiring, take the time to figure out exactly the type of person your patient is going to need.
Conflicts in Scheduling
If you are visiting your relative whilst the carer is there, it might feel a little awkward and as though you shouldn’t be there.
Similarly, if you live with your family members and they have a carer that visits regularly, you might feel as though you are stepping on toes by being there.
Trust Issues
You must also consider the fact that you are letting a complete stranger in your, or your loved one’s, home. While the majority of people are completely honest and trustworthy, it is difficult to throw blind faith at someone you barely know. It is also difficult to ask this of your loved ones, especially if they have a mental disability.
Before you entrust the care of your loved one, as well as your home, to a complete stranger, it is important to feel secure with them. Make sure to do the proper background checks and a thorough interview to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the situation.
Is Respite Care for You?
There are a lot of good things that respite care offers for families and their loved ones, and it has been a huge blessing for many people.
Only you can really decide if respite care is going to be a good option for your unique situation. It is essential that you weigh out the pros and cons, and do your homework before making a decision.
While respite care may not be for everyone, it is certainly a service that should be considered for elderly patients. It is going to give them a sense of security, socialization, and more, as long as you can handle the cost and find the right person for the job.
