When to use respite care
Carers are the unsung heroes of Britain. While many people will be cared for in a home, there are countless others who are taken care of by full-time carers (often relatives) in their own homes so they can have a degree of freedom. Read on to find out more about respite care in the UK if you look after your parent…
Who are Britain’s carers?
Carers may have full-time jobs or a family of their own, but have to be there to look after their loved one, being on call 24 hours a day. It’s also expensive, and can make it difficult for some carers to hold down their job when they’re not sleeping enough and constantly getting called away from the office
With such a gruelling schedule, it’s no wonder that many carers report suffering from chronic stress, depression and exhaustion, which can manifest in more serious long-term health problems. The Princes Trust* has found that carers over the age of 60 were ‘overwhelmingly exhausted and worried’, and many spent about 60 hours a week caring for someone, far more than most people spend at work
Their long hours don’t leave much time for things like dental or doctor appointments (even though they are twice as likely as a non-carer to get sick according the Carers Trust**, social engagements or taking care of personal errands. And with an ageing population (there will be an extra nine million carers by 2037), more and more people in their 50s, 60s or older will be looking after loved ones— even while they’re still trying to hold down another job.
It’s crucial that carers’ needs are looked after too, or their mental and physical health will suffer, and they’ll find it difficult to be there for someone else. They, like most people, need the occasional break, even if it’s just a long weekend by the seaside to help them recharge their batteries
What is Respite Care
Respite care provides a temporary respite for carers by providing the people they care for with help for a short period of time
Respite care facilities give carers the chance to relax and focus on their own life while having the reassurance that their relative is still receiving the attention and level of care they need
No carer should feel guilty about needing time off, but many struggle with feelings of guilt and are plagued by worry about how their loved one will cope. It’s important for everyone that they feel comfortable about the care home and the new carers beforehand
When should you consider respite care?
As well as giving you a temporary break, you might also need additional help if your parent’s health deteriorates, or if they have an illness which needs managing by a specialist in the field. Your health might also get worse as you get older, meaning you’re no longer able to put in the hours or do the manual work which can be involved.
And while you may be able to take care of Mum or Dad at home for now, it’s important to look ahead. What will their care needs be in one, two or five years? Rather than make a sudden move into a home, it will be easier for them to be slowly introduced to the idea by spending short periods of time in a home
Picking the right respite care solution
So they don’t feel cut off and get lonely, try to pick a respite care home that’s close to home so the area’s somewhat familiar. Ask about what sort of activities the home puts on, whether they can cater to special dietary needs and how they plan to keep your Mum or Dad busy and entertained. If your parent suffers from a certain type of illness, like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis or has spinal injuries, speak to the resident specialist to make sure they understand their needs
The good news is that changes to legislation mean that from 2014, carers should have more choice when it comes to choosing the kind of care help they need, rather than relying on local authorities to make all the decisions
The article above was written exclusively for myageingparent.com by Bupa on behalf of their care homes in Newbury.
