You and your loved one can take a break and recharge when you plan a short-term stay at a residential nursing home through a respite program. However, this option has benefits and drawbacks, which you should weigh carefully before making a reservation for the stay. Is there anything negative about respite, I hear you ask? What are the possible drawbacks to placing a loved one you care for in the care of another party for a limited amount of time so that you and the person you care for both can take a break? There are a few important things that every family should be aware of well before they decide to place a loved one in respite care. This article focuses on NDIS respite care, the pros as well as the cons that come with it.
How to reduce the dangers associated with respite care
You, your loved one, and your long-term care arrangement all stand to gain tremendously from the available residential respite care. If you are considering providing your loved one with short-term care during respite, consider how you might mitigate the potential for any adverse impacts.
1. Bringing down the price
As was previously indicated, it is possible that respite care is not the best choice for your finances if you are only qualified for a modest Daily Accommodation Contribution (DAC) or if you are not eligible for DAC at all. You can consider conversing with your loved one about finding a permanent placement instead. This will allow you to take advantage of the permanent subsidies and pension benefits that are given to permanent residents. We strongly suggest that you speak with an aged care financial expert if you are particularly concerned about the costs of elderly care and are unsure which option is appropriate for your circumstances.
2. Securing a permanent spot
If you go into a stay at a respite care facility with the proper frame of mind, you can significantly increase your chances of being accepted for a placement that will be more permanent. You and the person you care about should have an in-depth conversation about the benefits of respite stays before making a decision. It is essential to view the provision of respite care not only as a means of obtaining a break but rather as an opportunity – and this applies to both parties involved.
If you keep a positive attitude, you'll be able to look at your interactions with other people as an opportunity to learn and grow via new experiences. Your willingness to form new connections will assist you in having positive interactions not only with carers but also with other residents. If nursing homes feel that you would be a good addition to their community, they will be more likely to offer you a permanent placement.
3. Taking care of your need for allied health care
When added to the cost of respite care, the expenses you incur for allied health care may make the service unaffordable for you. On the other hand, you might be able to manage your bookings for allied health services so that they fit your needs. During your stay in residential respite care, for instance, you might be able to avoid the need for allied health care by scheduling your visit at a time when you already have an appointment scheduled. Is it also feasible to change the time of your appointment to one when you are at your house? During your stay, would it be acceptable for you to miss one of your appointments? You and your loved one will be able to enjoy a respite visit more fully if you can avoid incurring the financial burden of paying for allied health care during that time.
4. Arranging backup care
Even if it is quite improbable that you would need to stay in the hospital during your respite, it is still a good idea to make arrangements for backup care. If you wind up having to go to the hospital and lose your placement at the respite centre, you will already have somewhere to go after you get out of the hospital. It could be another family member or a close friend willing to step in and provide care in a crisis or for a short period.
Pros of using respite care
Studies have confirmed that respite care improves the quality of life for both the person in need of care and the caregiver. The individual receiving care and the family members providing care will enjoy the benefits of respite care in several ways below.
1. An opportunity to mingle with others
It is always wonderful to be able to socialise, regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in. You will have the chance to experience a new atmosphere and connect with new people who are typically the same age as you during your time spent receiving respite care. This type of social stimulation could assist your loved one in overcoming their reluctance to leave the house, even though, at first, they might not want to do so. If they are still apprehensive, though, a respite care centre that provides either live-in care or care through regular visits would be a better choice.
2. Respitr care 24-hour support available
One of the most significant advantages of receiving respite care is having a carer always available. This will ensure that your loved one receives the necessary help and care throughout the day and that they are cared for properly. Whether it's helping with the laundry, assisting them with taking a shower, preparing meals for them, or assisting them in some other way, it can be quite beneficial to do so. If you cannot see them as frequently, it also ensures they have someone there with them to keep them company during the day.
3. Help from professionals
No matter how well-meaning we are when it comes to taking care of our elderly parents or other relatives, we have to face the reality that there are times when we require the assistance of a trained expert. Signing up for respite care will add a highly trained professional to your team, which may be a significant advantage. The workers who provide respite care will receive training in everything they need to know to be ready to handle several circumstances that could arise. This is going to be of particular assistance to you if you are working with a patient who has dementia or with someone who has physical limitations. When providing the greatest care for your loved ones, turning to a professional is sometimes the best option.
4. Peace of mind
Not only can providing care for a loved one who has a physical or mental disability put a significant weight on your body, but it may also be mentally draining. There is constant stress when it comes to caring for other people and obtaining some assistance and assurance from respite care can work wonders to alleviate that worry. You will find that you worry less about the person you care about, which will, in turn, lower the amount of stress in your life and help you remain more mentally anchored. It is impossible to place a price on peace of mind, and possessing it can make it significantly easier to deal with the challenges of day-to-day living. Having an additional pair of hands will save your life.
5. Test before buy
A taste of what to expect when the time comes to move into care might be provided to you during a brief stay in a respite facility. You and your family will have the opportunity to test out a variety of amenities before deciding whether or not to permanently relocate to a new location, which will make the decision much simpler. Imagine that you are compiling a list of potential nursing homes for the elderly. The majority of individuals will be eligible for up to 63 days of annual care financed by the government, and the sole cost is the Basic Daily Care Fee in addition to an additional services fee that covers things like Wi-Fi, Foxtel, and a glass of wine with dinner.
6. A new experience
Believe it or not, your loved one, regardless of how loving and caring you are, could occasionally wish for some time away from you! Conversing with fresh and unique individuals may be an exhilarating and elevating experience. It is wonderful for their brain health and helps to counteract emotions of loneliness, which can contribute to depression. The person you care for may try new hobbies or crafts that they would have never done. They may learn about a new food or dish for lunch or supper, which you may experiment with in your kitchen.
7. It will relieve some of the pressure that you are under
There can be a challenging situation if your mother or father is currently residing with you and you are giving them the necessary care that they require. When you make the offer for someone to live with you, you are essentially taking on the role of their carer, particularly if they are unable to move around freely or are afflicted with a condition. When you start taking responsibility for them, tension might creep into other areas of your life. If you give temporary care, also known as respite care, some consideration, you can be assured that your loved one will continue to receive the care they require.
Cons of using respite care
Respite care has a few cons as well and some of them are below;
1. The price
Respite care might be prohibitively expensive, depending on the provider and the plan you select. However, there's no harm in giving it a shot; research various providers to find the best fit. It is recommended to first investigate whether or not any local, national, or international charities give money for respite care.
2. Conflicts of personality
Unfortunately, not everyone is supposed to get along, and tensions can arise when an unfamiliar person is thrust into a personal setting like respite care. Your loved one's respite worker is more than just a helping hand; they must get along. Finding the correct respite worker for your loved one might be a tremendous issue if they have unusually high standards. Take some time to think about the kind of help your patient will require before you begin the interview and hiring process.
3. Participation and active involvement
You may feel guilty about entrusting your loved one's care to a stranger while you take some time for yourself. However, respite care providers have classes on how to keep the elderly busy. Constant company and stimulating pursuits are common components of holistic care.
4. Regret over taking time off
The guilt you may feel about entrusting someone else with your loved one's care is a major drawback of in-home respite care. Fortunately, this feeling of regret doesn't last long. When you need a break, you can rest assured that your loved one is receiving excellent care from caring in-home carers.
5. Scheduling disagreements
Visiting a loved one when a carer is around might make you feel unwelcome and out of place. You may also feel like you're in the way if you live with family and they have a caretaker who visits frequently.
Conclusion
There aren't that many drawbacks to using respite care. Even though you might have certain concerns, such as how your loved one will react when they are with a new person, you won't need to worry about addressing those issues because they can be simply resolved. Since you now understand how respite care operates, you can take advantage of its benefits, such as the ability to feel calm and in good health even while you carry out your responsibilities.
Families in the Adelaide area of South Australia who are having trouble locating trustworthy and well-rated home care services can turn to Care Assure. Cooking, bathing, light cleaning, and exercise are just some of the activities our respite and live-in carers are properly trained to assist people with. Our carers also receive excellent training to assist seniors with other critical duties. You can speak with one of our committed care managers about the excellent quality of our in-home care services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is respite care?
Respite care is a form of short-term care designed to provide temporary relief to caregivers. It is designed to provide a short break from the ongoing responsibilities of caring for a loved one. Respite care can be in many forms, including in-home care, daycare centres, or residential facilities. Read more on several respite care available in Australia. This will help you make informed decisions.
Is respite care suitable for individuals with complex medical needs?
Absolutely. Respite care providers are often experienced in managing complex medical conditions, offering necessary support and specialised care for individuals with diverse healthcare requirements.
Are there professional caregivers involved in respite care?
Certainly. Respite care often involves trained professionals with expertise in caregiving. This ensures that individuals with unique care requirements receive competent and specialised attention. For Australians living in Adelaide and its environs, Care Assure is a respite care provider with professionals to take care of your loved ones.
How often should respite care be utilised?
The frequency of respite care depends on individual circumstances. It can be scheduled regularly, during specific periods of increased stress, or as needed based on the caregiver's and individual's requirements. You can check out how long one can stay in respite care.
Are there any age restrictions for respite care services?
Respite care services cater to individuals of all ages, from children to seniors. Providers offer options tailored to meet each age group's unique needs and preferences.
