Being a caregiver to a loved one around the clock can take its toll on your physical and even mental wellbeing. When you give so much of yourself to caring for a sick or disabled family member, it often leaves little time for rest or relaxation, leading to burnout and exhaustion. That situation isn’t beneficial for you or the person you’re caring for.
Asking for help from others is always an option to give you a break, but if you’re like so many other caregivers, you don’t feel right placing that kind of burden on someone else, even if only for a few hours. Respite care may be just what you’re looking for and just what you need to take some time for yourself. If respite care isn’t something you’ve ever considered before, here are a few facts to consider and why it may be a suitable option for you and your loved one.
You can use respite care on an as-needed basis. Whether you need a few hours, a couple of days, or a couple of weeks to focus on other things or just to get a break for your wellbeing, you can leave your loved one in the capable hands of a skilled care worker with the confidence that they’ll receive the same level of care that you give them at home.
Many people use respite care during the hours they work and can’t be home to take care of their loved one. Some use respite care to take a much-needed evening or weekend away to have some fun and relax. Whatever the reason, respite care is there to help you.
Using respite care so you can get a break also allows the one you’re caring for a break and a change of scenery, which can be refreshing in-itself. You can take the time to do the things you need to do and to recharge and relax. While you’re doing that, your loved one is also getting a chance to recharge as well, and interact with someone new who is compassionate, kind, and qualified.
Unlike around-the-clock assisted living facilities, with respite care, you only pay for the time you need. If all you need is an afternoon to get some things in order or to attend an event, and you can have a care worker come to your home.
To help with the costs, the Australian government will subsidise up to 63 days of respite care each year. There is also an option to extend those 63 days by an additional 21 days at a time when needed under certain circumstances.
No matter what kind of illness or disability your loved one has, respite care can be specialised to accommodate their individual needs. For instance, if your loved one is recovering from a broken hip, you can hire a respite care professional specialised in that type of care. If your loved one requires help with feeding or has other medical issues that require specialised care, you can hire someone skillfully trained in those particular areas as well.
Using respite care can be beneficial to learning different-but-effective ways of caring for your loved one. You might be used to doing something a certain way, but a respite care worker may have a quicker, more efficient way of getting the same thing done, and they can show that to you.
A respite care worker can also advise you on what is or isn’t working with your loved one’s care regime, such as their diet, exercise, or even daily activities. They can offer suggestions to you pertaining to your loved one’s disability and their disability care as well.
At Sunshine Coast Disability Services, we strive to assist those with disabilities in creating a better quality of life and give the family members who care for them the freedom to attend to daily life without feeling guilty about taking their focus away from the loved ones they care for.
We provide a variety of services, including but not limited to:
If you’re considering respite care for your loved one, contact Sunshine Coast Disability Services and let’s discuss your needs.
As a parent with a special needs child, you might be considering respite care and may also be overwhelmed with all of the choices. Perhaps you have multiple questions you’re looking to get answered. As parents raising children who have a disability, “me time” quickly...
Sunshine Coast Disability Services are proud to offer STA (Short-term accommodation) and MTA (Medium Term Accommodation) opportunities in purpose built, fully renovated facilities in our Ipswich location. Offering 24/7 nursing support and Doctor advisory support, our...
Are you (or a loved one) living with a permanent and significant disability? You’re probably wondering if there is help or assistance available to you. Or, perhaps you know there’s help, but are unsure of how to go about getting it because the whole process just seems...
