Why respite care is so important for informal carers
Marissa Sandler is the CEO and co-founder of Careseekers. Previously a social justice lawyer and researcher for over 15 years, Marissa is passionate about helping people live with dignity and finding innovative solutions to problems.
The end of the year is a great time of year, no school traffic, quiet streets and most of Australia takes a break. However, if you are an informal carer this may not be the case. Caring is a full-time job and doesn’t stop because its summer or Christmas or New Years. It is however very important that as a carer you do take a break. The best way to do this is by engaging respite care services of some description.
Here are some fast facts to read about respite care so that you can take a break over the festive season.
What is respite care?
Respite care is care that is taken over by someone else to relieve an informal carer of their care giving duties for a loved one.
How does it work?
Respite care can be delivered in many forms.
1. Respite care in the home – A care or support worker can come into your home and take the load off you by looking after a loved one for a few short hours or even a few days/weeks. Connecting directly to care and support workers on platforms like Careseekers is one way to find people who deliver respite care services.
2. Respite care in the community – Most local communities have adult day centres or neighbourhood centres where a loved one can go for the day. They will do casual drop ins as well on days when you may be feeling extra frazzled.
3. Residential based respite care – This type of centre enables loved ones to stay for an extended period of time – a few weeks and can be helpful if you need to travel.
4. Family or friend care respite – Close family and friends may be available to help you, especially if you open up and explain your situation and how additional help would lighten your load. There are also organisations who can send a volunteer to do some respite care.
Emergency respite care and information on other types of respite care is available through My Aged Care or The Carer Gateway.
Real life story
It was difficult for Cathy to watch her vivacious, opinionated mother Mary spiral into the depths of dementia. As her mother deteriorated further, Dora and her siblings assessed their options. They were adamant about keeping Mary at home. Luckily Cathy was able to move in with her mother and take on a full time caring role.
Caring can be exhausting and Cathy soon found she needed some time out. With her other siblings unable to help, the family decided to hire in-home care workers. During her time off Cathy would book into a hotel and just have some down time. It made all the difference to the type of carer she was to her mum during the week. “It really recharged me for the week ahead. I was more patient and as a result mum was happier. If you are a full-time carer for a loved one you just have to have some time out.”