What is Respite Care and why do I need it?

Respite Care is a period of rest and/or relief from the care responsibilities of elderly care. The aim of respite care is to nurture and rejuvenate yourself because it is not possible to ‘give’ all the time. Petria King says you care best when you are giving from your ‘overflow’, not when you have ‘nothing left to give’. Your respite care break may be a few hours, a few days, a few weeks or a few months at a time, depending on what you need to rejuvenate yourself. It is recommended that carers take regular respite breaks to stay strong and fresh.

For most people, caring for an older person requires a great deal of physical, mental and emotional energy and there is no getting around the fact that it is emotionally taxing because its a loved family member. Respite Care is very important as it gives family carers the opportunity to nurture themselves, which is something a carer often overlooks. Respite care services can be varied in length and type, depending on what suits you and your Loved One’s personal needs.

At Daughterly Care we believe every service we provide should be viewed as a respite care break.

Carer or Caregiver respite holiday from normal Elder care duties

When you take regular respite care breaks, your role as a carer becomes even more rewarding. For most people, caring for an Elder involves a great deal of physical, mental and emotional energy.

Respite Care is very important as it gives family carers the opportunity to nurture themselves, which is something a carer often overlooks. Respite services can be varied in length and type, depending on what suits you and your Loved One’s personal needs.

Here are a few examples of the ways in which our clients use our Respite Care services:

  • Retreat to another part of the house, snuggle up in bed and watch a movie, read a book or take a nap

  • Treat yourself to lunch at a restaurant with a friend

  • Go to the movies/theatre/art gallery with friends

  • Walk along the esplanade or through the bush
  • Get a massage / facial / manicure, pedicure
  • Take that class you have been wanting to do
  • Attend your own medical appointments
  • Play golf, tennis, bowls
  • Visit relatives
  • Go to the gym

  • Walk and talk with a good friend every week

main carer respite break travel holiday live-in home care

The more rested and fulfilled you feel, the easier it is to continue providing the necessary care to your Loved One. It’s more than having a break, it’s about doing things you need to do, in order to take care of yourself. This will allow you (the carer) to create really joyful moments that you can look forward to and reflect back on.

Respite Care is a part of our Joyful Living Approach ™, which we strongly believe provides a positive impact. It’s really important for your soul, it increases your resilience, your mental well-being and your ability to carry on caring for your Loved One.

Surprisingly, it is also highly possible that your Loved One will appreciate a break from you. Your Loved One can enjoy different conversations, personalities and activities.

“I hadn’t played tennis or had lunch with my friends for 6 years”.

Suzie* of Mosman, On Sydney’s Lower North Shore, returned home from her first respite care break in 6 years, rang our Registered Nurse and said “when I got home I asked Bob* how his time with you had been and he said you were lovely and wanted to know when you would be back? I took that as a very good sign that he enjoyed his time with you. That was the first time in 6 years that I played tennis and had lunch with my friends. I even had a glass of wine. I’ve really missed my friends.”

Bob has Parkinson’s.

Symptoms that indicate you need a respite break include:

  • Poor concentration

  • Feeling depressed

  • Social withdrawal

  • Sleep problems
  • Poor appetite
  • Forgetfulness
  • Feeling down

  • Feeling exhausted

  • Irritability

  • Anxiety

A carer who is burnt-out makes quality care giving very difficult, if not impossible.

It can lead to resentment on the part of the carer, neglect of other family members and depression.

What makes me a ‘Carer’, this is family – isn’t it?

Not everyone considers the care they provide to their Loved One as ‘care giving.’ However, you are indeed a family carer if you provide support and care for a family member who is frail or unwell. This care includes assisting with personal care, emotional support and companionship, assistance with finances and maintaining the household.

How can Daughterly Care help me?

Daughterly Care has over 200 professionally trained Caregivers, from whom to choose the person that is “just right” for you.

Respite Care can take different forms. In Home Respite Care services usually involves a trained professional Caregiver, who comes into the home to do all the activities that you would normally do in that time. We maintain the person normal routine.

Assistance can range from a regular 2 hour service each week or 2 or 3 times a week, overnight care or 24 hour Live In Care for those wishing to take a longer break. Daughterly Care’s 200 Caregivers are supported by a team of Registered Nurses who are available around the clock and, for advice and support.

We provide a care routine based around the information you provide us and the needs of your Loved One, so our Caregiver can provide the best quality care possible.

We are more than happy to discuss your individual Respite Care needs over the phone or a free home visit from one of our Registered Nurses. Don’t hesitate, ring us today and get that respite break you need for good health, and that you deserve. Ring us today on 9970 7333

NOTE: *Not the client’s real name, however, they are our client and, the feedback and experience is true.