What is Respite Care?

deeside-living-room

Respite care offers short term, temporary care provided to caregivers or elderly people who have personal care needs or who are living with dementia. It is also a good solution to arrange respite care for those who have recently come out of hospital and still need some level of support. Respite care can also be introduced as a way of getting an individual used to Residential Care. Additionally, if you’re a caregiver, caring for a loved one at home and you need time to attend personal matters, rest or to recharge, respite care is a good option.

What are the Benefits of Respite Care?

Caring for someone at home is a rewarding job, yet it can also be emotionally and physically draining and demanding on your own health. During times responsibilities can become overwhelming, therefore a break is needed or extra support after medical care is required. This is where a respite care stay becomes the best outcome, providing temporary relief for caregivers, putting their mental wellbeing first. In this blog post, we will explore the invaluable benefits of respite care, both for the individual receiving care as well as for the caregivers themselves.

When Might Respite Care be Necessary?

The need for respite care will depend on various outcomes and situations. Some elderly people may require more assistance such as with daily tasks, have high medical needs or require more specialised care depending on their health conditions. It can be difficult to offer care at home 24/7, especially if there are other responsibilities such as work and family members. 

If you loved one is living with dementia and you’re providing care at home, it can be extremely challenging due to the progressive nature of the disease. Respite care offers specialised support and supervision for those living with dementia. Additionally, some respite care homes in Aberdeen may also offer dementia care as a part of their care services, overall, allowing caregivers and family members to feel confident in that their loved one is safe, experiencing outstanding care from trained specialists.

The Benefits of Respite Care

For the individual receiving respite care, a huge benefit would be having the chance to socialise, engaging in activities with like minded individuals, enjoy delicious nutritious meals, all whilst receiving personalised attention from trained care staff. It also provides a change of scenery and routine which is refreshing and stimulating for individuals, especially for those who usually spend most of their time at home. Additionally, if a more permanent move is being considered, respite care will create the opportunity to get to know the care home and what life would be like to live there.

The activities and entertainment provided within Aberdeen care homes are specifically designed to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, whilst taking into consideration an individuals preference. Most care homes provide activities such as pet therapy and arts and crafts, along with musical performances and day trips out to the local city and town. All activities offered create the perfect opportunity for residents to make new friends, learn new hobbies or enjoy favourite pastimes.

Benefits for Caregivers

Respite care supports friends and family members by also giving them an opportunity to replenish their energy and recharge, allowing them to rest, continuing to pursue hobbies or just taking a temporary break from their caregiving duties, without feeling guilty. This time away can be highly beneficial, for a primary caregiver preventing further fatigue, reducing stress levels and more so improving overall wellbeing.

One of the biggest benefits of respite care for careers, is that it strengthens and grows the caregivers support network, further encouraging them to seek help and assistance from other friends, family members or support groups. Private care homes in Aberdeen can also provide insightful care, advice and guidance, allowing caregivers to provide even better care after their stay is over. Overall, this fosters a sense of community and understanding of caregivers, reminding them that they’re not alone.

Respite Care at Deeside Care Home

We understand that caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can be difficult to maintain your own personal routine. We also know how hard it can be to accept care from others, the choice for a loved one can feel as if they’re loosing their independence, which can be upsetting and overwhelming. At Deeside Care Home, we are dedicated to ensuring all of our residents has a great experience within our Aberdeen care home.

The length of stay for respite care within our home will vary from person to person, as well as the availability of our respite care beds. However, we do have a minimum stay of 3 weeks, allowing residents to feel settled, whilst getting the most out of our care services. 

Respite care offers invaluable benefits for all who receive it, promoting wellbeing, preventing burnout and strengthening family bonds. If you’re in need of respite care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Deeside, your wellbeing matters and we are here to help.

Share this article:

Back to articles