Respite Care: What Is It and How Can It Benefit?

Respite Care: What Is It and How Can It Benefit My Elderly Relative?

Respite care is a short-term stay, often around one to two weeks, in a care home, such as Birchwood House and is usually arranged to give a carer a holiday from their care-related duties.  These breaks can be planned or, in cases of emergency, unplanned or at short notice. This is particularly common when friends or family members are acting as a carer and allows them time to look after their own health and well-being.

So, what are the advantages of respite care?

Preparation for full-time residential care
Occasionally, clients from our friends at Birchwood Care Services will spend some respite time here at Birchwood House in Tunbridge Wells, after an operation, for instance, when they require higher levels of assistance than usual. Respite breaks can also prepare someone for transition to full-time life in a residential care home, a sort of ‘trial-run’ prior to moving in permanently; it’s often a really good way to see how life is in a residential care home.

Energy boost
We all get stressed and tired from time to time – and the well-being of a carer is just as important as that of the person they are caring for – in fact, an exhausted carer can impact the quality of care they can offer. Respite care gives them a break so they can return to their caring duties with renewed vigour. 

Social interaction
Sadly, many elderly people spend much of the day on their own so a short respite break provides them an opportunity to speak to new people. It also gives the visitor the chance to take part in fun, motivating leisure activities, designed to be mentally and physically stimulating as well as enhancing their well-being and feelings of self-worth.

A change is as good as a rest!
A simple change of scenery can be highly beneficial for those being cared for. Here at Birchwood House in Tunbridge Wells, we pride ourselves on our beautiful rural setting with views onto our landscaped gardens and the High Weald beyond. For many elderly people, who might otherwise be house-bound, a respite break to Birchwood House can give them renewed energy – a sort of mini-break to the countryside!

If you think you or your elderly relative would enjoy respite care here at beautiful Birchwood House in Tunbridge Wells, please get in touch so we can discuss the various options available.