Key Ways in Which Respite Care Can Benefit Carers
Respite care is one of the most valuable services which can be offered to anyone who has the day-to-day responsibility of looking after someone else – whether that’s a loved one, friend or relation.
Here Baxendale, who offer respite care home services in North London, look at the definition of the term, how it offers a valuable break for carers, and how we can help if you are a carer who needs to recharge your batteries.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is defined as ‘taking a break from caring, while the person you care for is looked after by someone else’. The respite care service is actually provided to the person you care for, to temporarily replace the care the normal carer would usually provide.
If you are a caregiver you are not alone, according to 2021 Census figures, there are around 4.7 million unpaid carers in the UK alone. This means that in England around 9%, or one in 11 of the population aged five or over, has some form of caregiving responsibilities.
The NHS says these responsibilities can vary from help with everyday tasks such as getting out of bed or bathing, to emotional support such as helping someone cope with a mental or physical illness. In some cases, this may also mean helping them cook their own meals.
But how do dedicated respite care facilities help carers?
It Improves the Carer’s Mental and Physical Health
Looking after anyone can be a demanding and draining experience, even if you love them or they are part of the family. It can take a toll on anyone’s mental health, knowing that the person they are caring for relies upon them.
It can also affect carers’ physical health, particularly if they are looking after someone with a physical disability. Placing the loved one into a respite care home allows the carer to take a break from their usual responsibilities and to rest, recuperate and recharge their batteries.
It Relieves Pressure and Stress
The carer’s own long-term needs may be neglected if they are constantly having to look after someone else. This can be quite subtle and build up over a long period of time. Respite care homes allow the carer to take a break and provide a better quality of care afterwards. It may also benefit the person being cared for as well because they may have feelings of guilt for relying on their carer so much.
It Gives Carers a New Lease of Life
It’s not just a case of the carer having a break. Respite care allows the carer to look after their own day-to-day and long-term needs. It also makes it easier to spend time with friends and other loved ones, as well as to develop new interests and hobbies or rekindle old ones which have been neglected.
Other Specific Circumstances
A spell in a respite care facility may also act as a ‘taster’ session for when the person being cared for needs permanent long-term residential care. And sometimes people just need some time to rest if they are recovering from an operation or illness. At Baxendale we also provide post-surgery and rehabilitative stays.
Baxendale – Respite Care Home Services in North London
At Baxendale, a residential care home in Whetstone, all our respite care residents benefit from the same facilities and excellent standards of care that our long-term residents enjoy. These include modern en-suite rooms with excellent views, quality food, and a programme of social activities.
A minimum respite care stay can just be for a couple of weeks, but can last for several months. However long it is, we’ll make sure your loved one receives first-class care, for as long as you need.
If you would like to know more about a respite care stay with us, follow this link and fill in the online contact form. Alternatively, can also call us directly on 020 8445 1127.