10 Reasons to use respite care

1. Respite care provides family support, allowing for consumers with disabilities or chronic illness to remain in the comfort of home.
2. Respite care services may be tailored to meet the needs of the consumer and carer.
3. In-home respite care can be more cost-effective than off-site options for consumers.
4. Carers can safely and confidently leave the home for an hour, a day, or a few days, for any reason.
5. When carers have time to care for themselves, they can better care for others. Taking a walk or a yoga class, exercising, playing golf or tennis, getting a massage or a manicure, meeting a friend for lunch, shopping, and even crossing errands off a list can help carers feel refreshed and ready to renew the routine of care.
6. Respite care allows carers time to focus on other family members—from planning a night out with a partner, to attending children’s extracurricular activities or taking a getaway family weekend.
7. Some insurance plans, such as long-term care policies or disability coverage, may provide for in-home respite care for a period of time.
8. When consumers have short-term needs such as injuries or illness, respite care can allow family members to remain at work, so they don’t lose personal time or pay.
9. We can often give carers guidance with procedures at home, such as suggesting ways to ease personal care or remember medication.
10. We can also provide emotional relief for carers, helping to “lift the load” by simply listening and being there.

The following strategies may include in the care plan:

• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Assistance with grooming and dressing
• Meal preparation
• Performing light housekeeping
• Laundry services
• Providing companionship