If you are a carer who is struggling to keep up with work and personal life, then respite care may be something to consider. After all, carers of all backgrounds need some time to recuperate, relax, and find some time to take care of themselves after dedicating time to taking care of others.
One manner by which you can take a break for a short while is through respite care. Respite care can be looked at as a short-term break from carer duties. Having a break can help relieve stress and encourage you to recharge, which is beneficial for both you and the individual you are caring for.
However, there are actually various types of respite care out there. If you would like to learn more about this, then please feel free to continue reading below.
With this type of respite care, a care worker can come to your home and look after your loved one for you. This allows you to go out for a few hours and enjoy some time for yourself. The care worker and your loved one may even choose to go for a coffee or a walk.
In-home respite care ensures that your loved one is in safe hands and will be taken care of while you are undergoing your own respite period.
Centre-based day respite allows you to partake in social and recreational activities in a care centre for a couple of hours during the day. You can enjoy group activities at a respite centre or even go to a day club.
Respite centres are run by specially trained respite workers. More importantly, respite centres make for a great way for you to take part in social engagements.
Respite centre services are available at certain times – usually from 10 AM to 3 PM – so be sure to check out what their operating hours are before you attend a respite centre.
A respite care worker can come to stay with your loved one in your home overnight, or you can spend the night in a respite house or cottage. Cottage respite entails heading to a local place in your community or to a host family to help take care of your respite. This can last from two to three days.
With community access respite, a care worker can accompany you to a community-based activity. This can take form as a social event or an outing. These activities can be either individual or by group depending on what you prefer.
Staff can help you build stronger relationships with other people while also helping you to re-engage with the community. You can also participate in fun activities with individuals similar to you.
This takes form as a package of respite services that are specially tailored to your needs. A package can be a combination of in-home respite care or a special service for emergency respite.
The important takeaway with this type of respite care is that you have more control over what respite services you want to choose. This respite care service is also funded by the Department of Social Services and can be received at your home or in a provider approved location. You may also find providers case managing the respite services you receive.
If you need to go to a hospital or want to go on a holiday, you can choose to move your loved one to a nursing home for a short period of time to receive care through residential respite care. Once you are ready to care again, you and your loved one can return back home.
When your loved one is in a nursing home, they will be treated as if they were a regular resident there. They will be able to have the same access to care and support. Through the ACAT assessment, it will be determined whether your loved one will receive a low or high level of care from the provider.
If you need urgent respite care, you can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, the government hub that offers assistance for carers across the country.
Situations that make you eligible for emergency respite include sudden death, a major illness, or an unexpected situation where you cannot care anymore.
As we can see, there are various types of respite care that you as a carer can choose should you need it. It is important to assess your situation and discern which type of respite care you feel can best meet your needs.
Iris Manor provides all levels of care from low to high care with 24-hour nursing care onsite. We do not charge the 3 different fees that are normally associated with government-funded homes.
At Iris Manor, there are no long term contracts, no lump sum RAD or DAP, simply a fixed weekly rate. Come and see our facilities at Iris Manor and find out for yourself how good our place is for your loved ones.
Please call us today for an appointment on 1800 835 728 or send us an inquiry.
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