Ther are all sorts of technical terms that are used in the medical and healthcare fields, and we want to unpack some of those terms because while we need to be perfectly conversant with all the technical language there is, you don’t need to be
Basically, we want to make things as clear as possible for you.
Having said that, you may have heard the term “respite care” thrown around a bit, but it’s worth defining the term so that it’s perfectly clear. However, something that is often overlooked is the necessity of respite care (until it’s too late, that is), so we also want to look at why it’s essential.
Simply put, respite care is short-term care that gives the primary carer (whether they’re a professional caregiver or a family member) a break from their normal duties.
The thing about respite care is that’s ridiculously easy to overlook. When you first start caring for your loved one, everything is about figuring out this new way of living. You have to find out what your loved one needs from you, and you have to learn how to meet these needs.
There are visits to healthcare specialists, there is medication to procure, a life to organise, changes that need to be made to living arrangements and any number of adjustments and learning points that you have to go through.
Chances are you also start off fuelled by adrenaline and a sense of familial responsibility towards your loved one.
Because of all of this, it’s very easy for overlook the need to set up provision for respite care, and, if we’re honest, most people tend to underestimate their own needs. On day one, it’s very easy to think you’ll be able to handle anything and everything that comes at you.
And that’s without the sense of obligation that most people tend to feel towards their loved ones. That sense of obligation, while laudable and completely natural, can become a trap that deceives you into thinking that it would be wrong to go on holiday or even go out with friends, leaving your loved one behind.
However, the reality that we all have to remember is that we are human beings with human limitations. It’s just not possible to meet the demands of caring for a loved one every single day without any break. Taking that approach guarantees burnout at some point. To be frank, as beautiful, noble and admirable as caring for a loved one is, to describe it as a “marathon not a sprint” is to grossly underestimate the demands it puts on a person.
However, the reality that we all have to remember is that we are human beings with human limitations. It’s just not possible to meet the demands of caring for a loved one every single day without any break. Taking that approach guarantees burnout at some point. To be frank, as beautiful, noble and admirable as caring for a loved one is, to describe it as a “marathon not a sprint” is to grossly underestimate the demands it puts on a person.
You will need some time to catch your breath and sit back, both for your own good and for the good of your loved one. If your loved one relies on you for care, they need you to take care of yourself so you can provide them with support. If you have nothing in the tank, you will miss things, make mistakes and start to lose patience with your loved one.
But the importance of respite care goes beyond that even. If you are ill, you may have to keep your distance from your loved one both so you can recover (if it’s serious) and because you don’t want them to contract your illness.
The thing about illnesses is that they always seem to come at the most inopportune time possible. If you can’t afford to get sick, chances are that you’ll get sick.
This quality of illnesses and their unpredictable nature means that you really don’t want to be desperately trying to find someone – anyone – to fill in for you. Imagine frantically looking for a stand in while feeling like Death itself turned up its nose at you.
That’s stressful enough, but then you’ll also stress because you won’t be sure that the person will adequately be able to see to your loved one’s needs.
What you want is someone to call ahead of time in case of emergencies who you know will be able to step in and provide the level of care your loved one knows. This is the advantage of having professional respite care set up in advance, so that when there is an issue, you can call them and know that a well-trained, experienced and truly compassionate caregiver will see to your loved one.
Apart from all of that, there are times when you need to queue for ages, go to an office, or see to some sort of admin task that will take you away from your loved one for longer than you’d like.
You don’t want to be in a position – because you have urgent or important business to attend to – where you are hitting up everyone on your contact list or some random care company that may or may not have their ducks in a row. Rather, you want to be able to call up the professional service who will send an excellent caregiver to give you the two or three hours you need to see to your business.
It can be that short term.
That’s stressful enough, but then you’ll also stress because you won’t be sure that the person will adequately be able to see to your loved one’s needs. Seriously, situations creep up on a person with little warning sometimes (because we all get a bit of tunnel vision at times). You could quite easily find yourself in a position where you really want to support your daughter in one of her pursuits but feeling torn because it would require your leaving your elderly father unattended.
Setting up a plan is a lot simpler than you might think. All it takes is speaking to a care provider who offers respite care.
Okay, choosing the right people might take some hunting (honestly, we recommend ourselves for respite care – it’s one of our specialties – but we can also help you in your search with these tips on choosing a healthcare provider), but once you’ve found the company and you’re on their system, you simply need to give them a shout and they’ll step in.
At least, that’s how we work. You contact us once, we have a meeting with you and your loved one so we understand your situation and are prepared to step in at any time, and it’s done, you’re on our system.
At that point, whether you use our Urgent Support Link and phone us, we can organise you a respite caregiver almost at the drop of a hat.
Doing this has a dual benefit. For one thing, when something does come up or you suddenly realise that you’re burnt out and need a break, you can call us, knowing that the right people have your back. For another thing, knowing that you have that option is also something that is incredibly comforting.
We can offer care support in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Oxfordshire.
Can you provide care for highly complex care needs?
Yes. Again, this is something that we have extensive experience with, and we provide ongoing care and support for many wonderful people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Simply put, it depends on your loved one’s needs. It varies from person to person.
We're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about our services or need assistance in finding the right care for your loved one, our compassionate team is ready to help.
We understand that this journey can be challenging and we're committed to providing you with the information and support you need.
