What is in-home respite care?
Ariella Birnbaum3 MIN READ 
Wondering how in-home respite care can help your loved one? First, let’s define what it is.
What is in-home respite care?
Whilst being a carer can be a rewarding experience, it is difficult work. Dementia Australia has found that a regular break allows carers to recharge and avoid burnout, so they can continue to help others in a healthier, more sustainable way.
Here’s where in-home respite care can help. This is when an experienced, trustworthy and empathetic professional steps into your home to provide high-quality care for your loved one, so you – the primary caregiver – can take a break, care for yourself, and in turn, have the mental and physical ability to perform your caregiving duties for the person you love.
What’s included in in-home respite care?
With personalised in-home care services, your loved one can maintain their independence at home and choose what level of care works for them. Whether they need help with cooking, transportation, companionship or something else, there is a network of professional carers who will work with you to build the best in-home respite care plan possible.
Depending on individual circumstances, here is a list of common services available:
Personal care and hygiene
With in-home respite care, your loved one can receive help with bathing, showering and dressing – with respect for one’s dignity always top of mind.
Companionship
If your loved one would like some company, you can create a personal in-home care plan that includes a caregiver or a companion visiting the house for a nice chat, or even for a short stroll.
Getting out and about
Does your loved one like to go out to eat, shop at the supermarket or go for daily walks? Talk to your in-home care plan consultant or assistant to discuss your options for getting your loved one socialising and moving!
Supporting hobbies and activities
Does your loved one like to stay active in the community? If they are part of a club or a group, for example, an in-home respite carer can help with transportation to and from events or sessions.
Getting to and from appointments
With at-home respite care, you can access transportation services to take your loved one to and from appointments. This isn’t limited to medical checkups – it can be for beauty salon visits, too!
Nursing support
To ensure your loved one receives the best nursing care, you can arrange for nursing staff to work with general and specialist medical practitioners to ensure that your loved one is taking medications on time, or can help to look after wounds or offer another kind of medical assistance.
Daily routine support
Does your loved one need help with cooking, cleaning or other daily tasks? No matter how small, there are trained professionals who can help.
Wrap up
In-home respite care gives primary caregivers a much-deserved break from their caregiving duties. This option can allow you to recharge your batteries and look after your own needs, without stressing about the person or the people you love. Regarding in-home respite care options – the sky is the limit! Whether you are looking for companionship, help with cooking or transportation arrangements for your loved one, you can work with an in-home respite care service to tailor a care plan that works for everyone. Support is always available for carers in Australia.
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If you are caring for someone and would like to have a plan in place for the end of their life, let the team at Willed assist. Why not speak with a dedicated funeral planner to understand the options? Phone 1300 945 533 today.
