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Looking after my grandma

I've had to face the fact that we need to put my grandma into a nursing home. It's quite tricky, as in my culture we mainly look after old people in the family home, but it's become too hard to manage as her dementia has gotten worse, and it's quite unsafe to have her sharing a space with everyone. I felt guilty at first, but once we actually found a place in a nice nursing home with nurses to take care of her all day long, I realised it was the best decision for everyone. This blog is all about finding nursing home places for dementia patients.

 

Looking after my grandma

Respite Care Options For Elderly People

19 October 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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Caring for an elderly relative on a full-time basis can be a very rewarding but tiring undertaking, and it's important that you have a break from the routine every so often.  Arranging respite care for your elderly charge is a good way of giving both of you a change of scene.  But what options are available, and what are the pros and cons?

Respite care options

There are several options that you might like to consider for respite care including:

  • day care centres or clubs
  • home care
  • respite care homes
  • aged care holidays

Day care centres or clubs are generally run by local councils or through charities.  Elderly people spend a day or two each week at local centres where they can take part in organised activities or just socialise.  The centres usually provide transport to and from the venue, and specialist carers are on-site to cater for those with poor eyesight, disabilities or dementia.

Home care service companies can sometimes help out if you wanted to go away for a short break, leaving your relative in their own home.  Care services can call in during the day or provide 24-hour, live-in care, depending on the level of care required.  Sometimes, assistive care can also be provided where your relative is contacted by phone during the day to check that they are okay.

Respite care homes allow your relative to go into residential care for a brief stay while you take a break. 

Respite holidays are sometimes available for elderly folk and you may be able to go too if you want to.  These specialist holidays are arranged through independent firms and your GP may have further information on this.

The advantages of respite care

Respite care has a number of advantages. 

  • Carers can have a well-earned break from the stresses of providing day-to-day care, giving them time to focus on their own health and their family.   
  • Elderly people who are housebound can enjoy a change of scenery and different company.   
  • You can enjoy your break with the knowledge that specialist care can be provided for your elderly relative while you are away.  
  • Some help towards funding respite care is often available through social services or your local authority.

The disadvantages of respite care

There are also a few disadvantages to respite care.

  • Some elderly people do not respond well to changes of routine and will not accept a different carer, making it impractical for them to have most forms of respite care.  
  • The additional costs of respite care might not be affordable to some families.  
  • Depending on how much respite care is available in your area, there may be a long waiting list.

In conclusion

Respite care can offer you a break from looking after an elderly relative and can also provide them with a welcome change of scenery.  Have a chat with your relative's GP to find out what's available in your area that might be suitable.