You and the person who cares for you both stand to gain from respite care. They have been proven to be an enriching and restorative time for both of you. Proper preparation is the key to making the most of your respite and avoiding typical concerns. This can also help you make the most of your time off. This guide will assist both you and your primary caregiver in preparing for respite care, whether it will take place at your home or in a residential institution for the elderly.
How to prepare your loved one for a respite care visit
Here are tips from our experts in Care Assure. Ensure you follow them strictly to have a fun-filled respite care visit.
1. Recognising the need for short-term care
Your care will fall into a natural rhythm and routine for you and the caregiver. Before attending a respite program, you should comprehensively inventory your care requirements and the things that are important to you. Before going for NDIS respite care, you should also consider what is included. This list will not only assist you in determining whether or not a certain respite care provider satisfies your requirements during interviews and tours, but it will also assist you in conveying those requirements to the respite caregivers caring for you while you are there.
2. Making a list of the most important things to have
You should also list all the essentials and prescriptions you will need to pack for your stay. This will guarantee that you bring everything you require while away from home. During your time in residential respite care, it is recommended that you bring some personal items with you to have a sense of familiarity and comfort.
3. Getting ready for what's to come
Some people need a short break from their regular arrangements, while others want to test out residential aged care. You must clearly understand whether your planned stay at the respite facility will be short-term or temporary or whether you foresee it becoming a permanent care arrangement because the two scenarios have different goals. If your residential respite stay is only for a short period, you can think about the activities you are interested in and jot down some goals regarding what you hope to gain from the experience. Be sure to question the staff at the facility about the social opportunities and activities that will be available during your time there during your respite.
You should start compiling the necessary paperwork and evaluations for permanent care as soon as possible if you intend to go into permanent care. You might also list your expectations and keep track of them while you are there to compare them to how they were met. You can establish from this whether or not you require long-term care in a residential setting. Most importantly, you need to have this conversation with the senior care facility as soon as possible to guarantee they have space for you to continue working there permanently.
Tips: Read about Different Types Of Respite Care Available In Australia.
4. Medications
As a carer, when getting ready to go out of town, especially if your loved one will remain in their house, be sure to pack a pill organiser with all the medications they require daily. This will guarantee that the dosage and timing are accurate. Create a comprehensive medication sheet, including all the following, and laminate it.
- The name of the drug (make sure to mention the brand name even if you only have access to the generic version).
- Proper dose
- The reason for taking the drug
- The name of the prescribing doctor and his or her phone number
5. Important documents
Although you don't need to have many documents on hand, you will need to ensure that the person providing care for your loved one in your absence has a clear copy of your loved one's insurance cards and identification card. Ensure that all copies of the DNR orders, living will, and power of attorney/guardianship orders are in the possession of your loved one's primary physician. If your loved one requires the attention of a specialist or is sent to the hospital for treatment due to an emergency, the primary physician will be able to supply the treating physician with the necessary documents.
6. Interests and extracurricular activities
Make a list of what your loved one enjoys most. Your loved one will not want to miss this wonderful chance to participate in the formulation of the plan for respite care. You should give them as much control as they can handle. If you and a loved one have problems coming up with ideas for things to do together, some possibilities include making phone calls to friends or family, working on puzzles, writing letters, playing board games, strolling with an On-the-Go medical alert device, and listening to music.
7. Plan for emergency
Compile a list of people you can reach in an emergency, including their names, relationships, addresses, primary and secondary phone numbers, and other relevant information. Some of this information may be repeated in the part that contains the medical history of your loved one. In an emergency, having this knowledge on hand not once but twice is helpful. Please provide the address, phone number, and hours of operation for any hospitals, emergency rooms, or urgent care clinics in the area. Make a customised escape route for your loved one, and provide a copy to the person who will replace you as their primary caregiver.
8. Making reservations and preparations for changes
When arranging for short-term respite care, arrange start and finish dates with the facility and develop a plan for what to do if these dates need to be changed. Your primary caregiver may be absent while you are on respite, so making arrangements with another close contact who can assist you if unforeseen events arise is a good idea.
9. Others
When preparing for respite care, the last thing you need to do is compile a note of any helpful hints or instructions you've picked up, such as how to coax your loved one into taking a shower. Not only will this make the experience of caring for your loved one simpler for the temporary caregiver (and more likely to be repeated! ), but it will also help your loved one maintain a sense of normalcy.
Conclusion
Preparing a loved one for a respite care home is not a day job. It is a transition that some people find hard to adjust to. We have provided this guide to make the preparation and planning smooth and seamless. Ensure your loved one really needs this visit and introduce it to them gradually and not suddenly. Finding and planning the assistance you require can be challenging, but Care Assure can assist you. Care Assure is a company that provides care management services to support individuals in respite care. We can provide peace of mind for the individual and their family by ensuring they receive the best care during respite. Contact us today to get started with our respite care service for your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the most appropriate time to use respite care?
Because each person's experience with elderly care is distinct, the right time to make a reservation for respite care varies from case to case. Your present care arrangement is important, especially in ensuring you receive quality care and your caregiver stays energised. Caregivers should discuss the possibility of respite care well before they get to this point so that appropriate care may be arranged with as little anxiety as possible.
If you start planning for respite care early, you and your primary caregiver will have plenty of time to talk about the various alternatives that are available to you and search for a suitable care home that offers respite care. When someone has dementia, it is typically a good idea to make arrangements for respite care as soon as possible in the course of their illness, as this will allow them to better prepare for their time away from home. Let's get started with your preparation tips for respite care.
How can I ease my loved one's transition to respite care at home?
Gradually introduce the idea, discuss the positive aspects, and involve them in decision-making. Bring personal items, create a familiar environment, and maintain regular communication to ease anxiety. Check out The Pros And Cons Of Respite Care to understand what it takes to go for it.
How do I address potential challenges during my loved one's stay in respite care?
Establish open communication with the care facility staff, maintain a consistent schedule, and address concerns promptly. Regular check-ins and fostering a positive relationship with the care team can help resolve any issues. This will improve the quality of life your loved ones get from a respite care home.
Can I trust respite care home staff with my loved one's well-being?
Choose a reputable facility with qualified and trained staff. Check for certifications, licences, and reviews from other families. Open communication and building a relationship with the caregivers can provide reassurance. Care Assure provides respite care services to all NDIS participants, which can vary in duration, depending on your needs. You can check how long one can stay in respite care to decide the one that fits your needs.
