Caregiving for an elderly, ill, or disabled family member is a demanding job and no one is equipped to do it alone. Finding respite care services can provide a vital break and can have some surprising benefits. Read our top 10 benefits of respite care for the elderly:
What are the benefits of respite care?
1. Overall wellbeing
At Encore Care Homes, we take a holistic approach to care and consider the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of every resident.
2. Companionship
We all need the stimulation of conversation and the company of others. Respite care offers residents the chance to meet other like-minded individuals and enjoy the companionship of new friends and team members.
3. Nutrition and hydration
Eating a healthy balanced diet is important for all of us – but even more so as an older person. During a stay of respite care at Encore, residents enjoy three appetising meals a day from our seasonal menus, which are freshly prepared in the home by our professional chefs. Snacks and refreshments are also readily available throughout the day.
4. More exercise
It is important to keep moving as much as possible to keep joints and muscles working. For those that require a little more support to stand up and move around, respite care provides residents with the assistance and encouragement that they need, with carers on-hand to help 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. At Encore, we also have beautiful, landscaped gardens and large verandas where residents can enjoy spending time outdoors.
5. Stimulating environment
Respite residents have access to the same benefits that permanent residents do, which includes daily wellbeing activities. Each of our care homes has a dedicated wellbeing team, which leads a weekly programme of events and activities. These vary from group activities to more personalised one-to-one activities. Residents can choose whether they would like to take part in each activity. Therefore, there is always something to do and enjoy during a stay at Encore Care Homes.
6. Maintain or rekindle hobbies and interests
On admission, residents and their families fill out a ‘This Is Me’ document to let us know about the individual – including hobbies and interests. Whether these are past or present, a respite stay might reintroduce a past hobby and give the resident the opportunity to do something that they really love again, which they might not have had the chance to do for years.
7. Improved recovery from illness, surgery, and operations
A respite stay can aid in the resident’s recovery from an illness, or a hospital stay, as they benefit from dedicated care and support 24-hours a day. With the extra support of carers and nurses, staff can support residents to eat and drink, or to move around more and improve their mobility.
8. Emotional support
Both caregiver and loved one need emotional support sometimes. A respite stay gives both parties a chance to receive support and guidance from care professionals who are experts in their field. They are also just people themselves who are there to listen and comfort – not only the residents but also the families as well.
9. Rehabilitation support to return home
Sometimes after a stay in hospital, care arrangements need to be made at home before an older person can return home. A respite stay at Encore gives families the time to put arrangements in place at home. It also provides residents with the extra time to recover with the support and dedication from a team of nurses and carers; ensuring the resident becomes as strong as possible before they return home.
10. A fresh pair of eyes
As with all of us, daily routines can become stale. Respite stays with care professionals might offer a fresh take on certain caregiving tasks. The care experts might be able to offer advice or tips to help breathe renewed energy into the role of caregiver
Respite care at Encore Care Homes
We offer flexible, temporary respite care when you need it most. We work with you to tailor the care you, or your loved one may need during your stay with us.
Every Encore Care Home has been designed to provide residents with a comfortable and relaxing stay whether this is on a short-term basis or as a permanent resident. Find a respite care home near you.
