Posted on 26-03-2008
Filed Under (Home and Family) by admin

Many carers feel guilty about wanting time away from their elderly relative and worry that their relative won’t be able to cope without them. However, it’s important for carers to be able to take regular planned breaks in order to relax, recharge and enjoy themselves. If you don’t take a break, then you could find yourself becoming stressed, resentful or even depressed, which isn’t good for you or your relative

Respite care is the perfect solution for any carer who needs a break. There are several different types of respite care available. Some carers find that day care allows them to have a break so that they can go out with friends for the day, enjoy a favorite activity or just get some chores of their own done. You could arrange for a qualified carer to come to your relatives home to look after them while you go out, or you could arrange for them to have day care in a residential home or nursing home.

Similar options are also available if you want to take a longer break. You could arrange for a live-in carer to stay at your relatives home. This may be the best option if your relative has dementia, as they may be more comfortable in an environment that they know.

You could also arrange for your relative to go into a residential home for respite care. If your relative needs a high level of medical care, you will need to look for a care home with nursing care (also known as a nursing home). Nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing care as well as personal care, so you will be able to relax knowing that your relatives medical needs are being met.

If your elderly relative doesn’t need a high level of medical care, you could arrange for them to go into a care home without nursing care (also known as a residential home). This is a cheaper option than staying in a nursing home.

The advantage of arranging for your relative to go into a residential home for respite care is that he or she will be able to socialize with the other residents. Residential homes also often have a range of activities that people can take part in. Although you may be concerned about leaving your relative, you may find that they will enjoy having some different company and will benefit from the break in routine as much as you will.

You can find out which care homes in your area provide respite care by using an online care homes guide. You and your relative can then visit the care homes that you’re considering in order to decide which is most suitable. Don’t forget, however, that you will usually need to book a place in a care home well in advance of your holiday, so plan ahead!

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