In times of need, caring for a loved one is a natural decision for many. That said, it’s not always easy. Caring for someone, no matter how much you love them, can be emotionally and physically demanding and, sometimes, it’s really important to turn that love inward and take breaks. Embracing time to recharge, carers can give themselves the downtime and self-care that they deserve, whilst continuing to provide the best care and support for the person they love.
Supporting our everyday superheroes, that’s where respite care services come in.
Respite care is the care given by specialist caregivers to temporarily relieve primary caregivers. A tailored service, it gives primary caregivers a much-needed chance to relax and reboot and focus on other things that they would like to – from getting the shopping done to simply sitting down with a book. An invaluable way of providing specialist back-up for those who need it most, it can be regularly scheduled to offer consistent breaks lasting a few hours, days, or weeks depending on what’s needed.
In the case of respite care for dementia patients, this dedicated service can help primary caregivers to lift the self-imposed weight of responsibility, whilst also offering those living with the condition to feel safe and secure in a welcoming environment that professionally caters to their needs. In essence, it’s a really beneficial way of making sure that everyone gets the support that they need and deserve.
If you’ve ever wondered what respite care services are and how they work, then it may be a relief to know that these dedicated services are generally very adaptable. When planned accordingly and carried out by professionals, respite care services can be arranged at chosen intervals to allow primary caregivers to tend to their own needs and recuperate. Afterall, it’s not uncommon for those caring for others to forget to look after themselves.
Depending on the level of support that’s required, respite care services work by providing a safe space in accredited environments such as day centres or care homes. It’s really important that you register with a fully licensed establishment to ensure the highest quality care. At Wisteria Care Home, our trained and experienced staff run daycare and respite services at each of our three CQC regulated care homes in Woolwell, Stoke, and Plymstock, and offer tailored services to help those living with dementia and their caregivers enjoy much-needed sanctuary.
Respite care services are designed for anybody in a position of primary care who needs some help and support. This could be a primary carer who would like to go on holiday, needs help managing care with work or responsibilities, or simply needs time to rest. There’s no ‘set’ process; however, if you find yourself wondering what are care services, then you may very well already be in a position where you could do with a helping hand.
In order to ensure the best care for everyone, the main focus of seeking respite services is to work with an accredited body who you trust. For those living with dementia, the world can sometimes feel like an overwhelming and confusing place, so it’s important to work with an institution who fully understands the situation of both the caregiver and the person they are caring for. This ensures stress levels are kept to a minimum for all involved and that everyone’s mental health and wellbeing can be fully championed and supported.
There are a number of different respite care services available that cater to a range of conditions and needs. Types of respite care services typically include:
At Wisteria Care Home, we offer residential, daycare and respite care services in Plymouth at our three South West-based CQC care homes. Supported by a professional, experienced team of staff, we can work with primary caregivers to explain how our services work and advise the best next steps.
The peace of mind and numerous benefits of respite care can’t be understated – both for those giving and receiving care. For those in a position of primary care, respite care services can help to:
For those living with dementia, the introduction of respite care services can help to:
If you’ve been wondering what are respite care services and considering the next steps for yourself and the person you are caring for, we can fully support you in what comes next. With a highly experienced team of professionals, we fully understand the emotional complexities of seeking help and the concerns that can arise with securing additional support.
Offering a range of daycare and respite care services, at Wisteria Care Home we can offer both temporary and long-term support for those living with dementia. Focusing on building relationships and dedicated to the highest quality care, we always make sure the needs and dignity of our residents are at the forefront of everything we do and that we create an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and safe.
To find out more about our daycare and respite care services for those living with dementia, please do get in touch. We would be more than happy to help you and answer any questions you may have.
In times of need, caring for a loved one is a natural decision for many. That said, it’s not always easy. Caring for someone, no matter how much you love them, can be emotionally and physically demanding and, sometimes, it’s really important to turn that love inward and take breaks.
Supporting a loved one with dementia is never straightforward. Whether your relative has been newly diagnosed or you’re already a caregiver, there are certain steps you can take.
With Father’s Day fast approaching, many people are searching for thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. But for some, choosing the right gift can be especially difficult, particularly when buying for a family member with dementia.
Encourage positive conversations and deeper connections with dementia patients by asking the right questions. Whether over the phone, on a virtual call or in-person, the best questions phrased in the right way can invoke happy memories and shared moments. Many people with dementia can recall vivid memories from their past and love to share them. Here are some tips and questions to ask dementia patients to encourage communication.
If you’re looking for some new and interesting ways to help stimulate and entertain someone who is suffering from dementia, we can help.
Dementia is a complex condition affecting a person’s cognitive ability and can impact everything from their memory, problem-solving skills and language skills in day-to-day life. This can be extremely difficult for the person with dementia to come to terms with, especially as the condition progresses and they become more reliant on others for help with simple tasks.
Many dementia patients will also experience increased anxiety or agitation because of the condition, and one of the ways this can manifest is by increased fidgeting, especially with the hands.
It’s well-known that music is a universal language – one that speaks to us all on a primal level. It creates the soundtrack to many of our days, including some of our most cherished moments, and also has the ability to both lift our spirits and soothe us too. And, while music is an important part of many people’s lives, the benefits of music therapy for dementia patients is especially poignant. Tapping into memories and emotions on a different level, it can be a powerful tool for those living with dementia and its symptoms.
With temperatures dropping and bad weather arriving, it’s important that people with dementia get the extra care they need to be comfortable and feel safe.
Winter often brings more challenges for people with dementia and their caregivers, facing heightened feelings of social isolation and stress. Alongside the extra physical hazards from ice and snow, sometimes symptoms can get temporarily worse. People with dementia may not be able to communicate that they are cold or explain how they are feeling
As the season casts its silvery cloak and the nights draw in, there’s no better time to hunker down and cosy up than winter. One of the best activities for relaxed mornings and slow afternoons during this time of year, winter crafts offer a great way to occupy hands and minds during this season of resetting and rebalancing.