Destigmatising Respite Care

Caring for your loved ones is one of the most rewarding but demanding roles you can take on. It requires constant physical and emotional stamina which, unfortunately, often results in burnout. We see the incredible dedication and selflessness of family caregivers, but we also see the toll it can take.

Taking a break does not mean that you care any less. Respite care can provide temporary support for the person you care for while giving you time away from your usual caring responsibilities.

There is a lot of stigma surrounding respite care, but we believe that it is essential for caregivers to continue doing their best work sustainably.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is temporary care provided while someone’s usual care arrangements are paused or changed. These stays usually last from a few days to even a month. As a carer, you might consider a short stay in a care home if:

• You are going on holiday.
• You need to attend an important appointment.
• You need some time to rest and recover from the demands of caring.
• You have become unwell yourself.
• Your usual family support is temporarily unavailable.
• The person you care for needs additional support for a short period.
• You want to explore whether care-home life might suit them.
• You need temporary support while arrangements at home are being reviewed.

There is no single reason why someone may need respite care. Every family has different circumstances, and needing additional support for a short period does not necessarily mean that permanent care is required.

It can also be the best option for convalescent care, if you are recovering from a hospital visit and aren’t quite ready to go home. Respite provides a convenient bridge between professional support and getting back to the comfort of their own home.

Some care homes offer respite stays in advance, which can be useful if you know you will need a break at a particular time. At Mulberry, respite care is available at selected homes, with short stays designed to support carers, recovery and changing family circumstances. Our team can discuss your situation and explain what support may be available.

Photo by Artyom Kabajev via Unsplash

Preparing for a Respite Stay

A little preparation can make the transition easier. Before the stay, speak to the care home about what information they need and what should be brought with you. It can be useful to prepare:

• Details of current medication.
• Information about medical conditions and care needs.
• Emergency contact details.
• Information about allergies or dietary requirements.
• Details of usual routines.
• A list of important preferences.
• Comfortable clothes and suitable footwear.
• Toiletries.
• Familiar photographs or personal belongings.

If possible, visiting the care home before the stay can also help, allowing you to meet staff, see the environment and ask questions before the day of the stay.

A Respite Stay At Mulberry

We offer respite stays from a few days to several weeks, so no matter your situation, you can find the care you need. Just because your stay is temporary does not mean that you will be treated differently from our permanent residents. You will be invited into our community, enjoying the same activities, meals and medical treatment.

We understand that families often worry about neglect during short stays. This is exactly why our staff prioritises getting to know every resident’s likes, dislikes and routines so that your stay will be as beneficial and easy to transition into as possible. By mirroring your home routine, we ensure the transition feels natural and prevents the entire stay from feeling like a “settling-in” period.

Overcoming The Stigma

If you are a caregiver who needs a break from your patient for whatever reason, big or small, then don’t feel guilty about finding respite care. It is an act of love, not of neglect. There is a huge stigma that caregivers who choose to take a break do not truly care about their patients. This is completely inaccurate. You cannot provide the best care when you are exhausted, sleep-deprived, and stressed.

By taking a break, you are attending to your own health and giving yourself the energy to care for your patients. It is also a great opportunity, especially for people who live alone, to meet new people and try new activities that they cannot usually access. Not only will you be in top form when they come back to you, but they will also feel revitalised as well.

Even if you are using respite care temporarily for convalescence, there is a stigma that your care will be unnecessary. Do not feel as if you are taking up space. A hospital visit is a significant task, so seeking care afterwards is sometimes a necessity.

We understand that leaving your patient or family member in the hands of a stranger is a scary thought. If you need any advice, or you’d like to hear more about respite care, don’t hesitate to get in touch.