What is respite care at home?

May 16, 2023 | News

Respite care is the support provided for a specific time when a person needs extra care, such as following discharge from hospital or after an illness.It is also sometimes known as post-operative or convalescent care.

Respite care can make all the difference when it comes to helping a person rehabilitate and readjust to life back at home, following an illness or operation. Having a professional, compassionate live-in carer providing support around the clock can be a huge relief to somebody recovering from a hospital stay, as well as their family and friends.

What does respite care involve?

At-home respite care involves a carefully selected carer moving into someone’s home providing support as and when required.

This might involve looking after important household tasks while you or your loved one recovers. For example, this could include tasks such as cleaning and tidying the home, doing the laundry, cooking nutritious meals and keeping on top of any garden maintenance. It might also include caring for pets where appropriate.

Respite care also involves supporting a person through their recovery. This may mean offering personal care as needed, for example assisting with washing and dressing. Trained carers can administer medication where needed, or simply help you or your loved one ensure that it is taken on time.

An expert carer can help make sure recovery goes as smoothly as possible, by helping to implement treatment or rehabilitation routines as prescribed by a doctor or physiotherapist. This might involve reminding or helping a person to complete their physiotherapy exercises, or to help them stay on top of an exercise regime as directed by their healthcare team.

One of the great things about respite care is that it is totally flexible. Our Care plans are always tailored to the person and their individual needs, ensuring they receive exactly what they need to recover comfortably and with dignity, while helping the client retain as much independence as possible along the way.

Why choose respite care

A spell in hospital is always a worrying time for patients and their families. But the worry doesn’t cease when they arrive home, especially if a long period of rehabilitation lies ahead. It can be challenging or daunting for friends and family to provide the level of support a person might need to help them get back on track following surgery or illness, and this is why respite care can be so valuable.

With a professional live-in carer available offering support and company when and where it is needed, you and your loved ones have the freedom to focus on the future.

If you think you or a loved one could benefit from live-in respite care, get in touch with our team today to chat through your specific requirements.