Caring for an older loved one can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also take a lot of time and energy. Whether you're feeling tired, have other commitments to manage or simply need a little time to rest, it's completely natural to need a break from caring now and then.
Respite care offers a reassuring solution, giving your loved one the opportunity to receive professional care while you take some time for yourself. In this guide, we'll explain how respite care works, the different options available and how to arrange a short stay that feels right for your family.
What is Respite Care for the Elderly?
Respite care is a type of short-term care that temporarily takes the place of the support you usually provide for your loved one. It allows you to take a break from your caring responsibilities while knowing they're receiving the attention and support they're used to.
There are several types of respite care available, including care at home, day centres and short stays in a care home. Each offers different benefits, so it's worth thinking about your loved one's needs and preferences before deciding which option would suit them best.
Respite Care at Home
At-home respite care is when a professional carer visits for a few hours at a time, or provides temporary 24-hour live-in care. It includes support with everyday activities while helping your loved one maintain their usual routine.
This can be particularly reassuring for someone who enjoys the comfort of their own home. However, it's important to consider the cost of regular visits or 24-hour care, as well as limited opportunities for social interaction.
Day Centres
Day centres offer a flexible option for families who only need a few hours of support at a time. For example, you might need someone to look after your loved one while you work, attend appointments or catch up on errands.
As well as providing a safe and welcoming environment, day centres give older people the chance to meet others, make friends and enjoy activities that keep their minds active.
Respite Care in a Care Home
A short stay in a care home offers more comprehensive support, with experienced care staff available throughout the day and night. Depending on the home and your loved one's needs, qualified nurses may also be available around the clock.
During their stay, respite guests can enjoy the same facilities, group activities and personal support as permanent residents. This can be especially beneficial for older people who live alone or don't often get the chance to leave the house. Having people around to chat with and activities to look forward to can make their stay an enjoyable change of scenery.
For families, knowing that friendly, experienced staff are always nearby can make it much easier to relax and make the most of their break.
Reasons a Family May Choose Respite Care
There are many reasons why families choose respite care, and you shouldn’t wait until caring becomes overwhelming to consider it.
Caring can take a toll on your physical and mental health, particularly when you're balancing it with work, family life and other responsibilities. Taking some time to rest, catch up on sleep or focus on your own wellbeing can help you return to your caring role feeling more refreshed.
You might also be planning a holiday, visiting family or attending an important event. Respite care allows you to enjoy these moments without worrying about who will be there to support your loved one while you're away.
Sometimes, the benefits are just as important for the person receiving care. If your loved one has been feeling lonely, a short stay in a care home can give them the chance to enjoy regular company, meet new people and take part in activities they might not have access to at home.
Respite care can also be a helpful way to explore longer-term care options. If you've started thinking about residential or nursing care, a short stay allows your loved one to experience daily life in a care home before making any bigger decisions.
Another common reason is recovery following an illness, injury, operation or hospital stay. A respite stay with appropriate nursing care can give them time to recover comfortably, with professional support close by.
How Long Does Respite Care Last?
The length of respite care depends on the type of support you choose and how long your family needs it. Temporary support can range from just a few hours of care such as a morning spent in a day centre, to over a month in a care home.
Most care homes have a minimum respite care stay of around two weeks to ensure that guests can get the most out of their stay and their personalised care plan.
If you're unsure how long your loved one might need respite care, it's always worth discussing your circumstances with the care provider. They can help you explore the options and decide what would be most suitable.
How Do I Get Respite Care?
You can arrange respite care for a loved one yourself, by contacting care homes near you that you and your loved one are interested in.
When choosing a care home for respite care, it’s important to first consider your loved one’s care needs, such as whether they would require residential care or nursing care.
You can also look at the facilities and activities that you know your loved one will enjoy, such as a garden or arts & crafts, as this might help them feel more comfortable and excited about their stay.
You can also contact your local council to request an assessment of your loved one's care needs. Depending on their circumstances and eligibility, the council may be able to help arrange respite care and contribute towards the cost.
Who pays for Respite Care?
If you're unsure whether your family is eligible for financial help, a good first step is to contact your local council and request a care needs assessment. Following this, the council may carry out a financial assessment to work out how much your loved one might need to contribute towards their care. This generally considers their income and savings.
In Scotland, the value of your loved one's home is normally excluded from the assessment for a temporary care home stay, as it’s expected that you will intend to return home afterwards.
The council may also offer you an Adult Carer Support Plan, which looks at your own wellbeing and the support you need in your caring role. This can help identify whether taking a break would make things easier for you.
If the council agrees to contribute towards respite care, they may suggest a particular care home. However, it’s important to choose the place your loved one will feel most comfortable, particularly if you feel a different home would suit them better. If your preferred home costs more than the council's agreed contribution, you may be able to pay a top-up fee to make up the cost.
There may also be support available through local charities such as VOCAL which supports unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian through their ‘Wee Breaks Fund’.
Respite Care in Edinburgh
Choosing respite care is a personal decision, and we understand how important it is to find somewhere your loved one will feel comfortable, supported and genuinely welcome.
At our care home in Edinburgh, we take the time to get to know each person who stays with us. Our experienced care team provides round-the-clock support, giving you total reassurance that someone is always here for your loved one.
If you're exploring respite care in Edinburgh, we'd love to welcome you for a tour of Manor Grange. Our friendly team will be happy to show you around, answer your questions and talk through how we can support your family.
