Caring for a loved one is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Respite care offers families the chance to take a much-needed break, while ensuring their loved one continues to receive the highest standard of support at home.
At Patricia White’s, our respite care in London is flexible, professional and tailored to individual needs. Whether you require short-term help for a few days or longer cover, our experienced carers provide reassurance, comfort and peace of mind.
What is respite care?
Respite care is a form of short-term support designed for times when family carers are unavailable or simply need a well-earned break from their responsibilities. Many people balance caring for a loved one alongside work, family and social commitments, which can often feel overwhelming.
Respite care provides a safe and reliable solution, ensuring your loved one receives the same high standard of care while you take time to rest and recharge. Others may choose respite care after being taken ill or post-operation, when they need extra assistance around the house during recovery.
Respite carers understand their role as temporary support workers and will follow the current care plan, so there’s no unnecessary stress or drastic changes.
Respite care services include:
- Personal care such as washing, dressing and grooming
- Support with mobility and safe transfers in and out of bed or chairs
- Medication reminders and assistance
- Preparation of fresh, nutritious meals
- Light household tasks including laundry, cleaning and ironing
- Companionship and emotional support
- Escorting to appointments, social activities or outings
- Overnight care or short-term live-in care for round-the-clock support
When to choose respite care
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to arrange temporary respite care for a family member.
You may consider respite care if:
- You’re planning a holiday and need assistance with a loved one whom you usually care for
- You need additional support after feeling unwell or having to take on extra responsibilities elsewhere
- Your loved one needs 24/7 care while recovering from an illness or operation
- You’re thinking of transitioning your loved one to full-time live-in care and want a trial visit
- Your loved one is feeling lonely and may benefit from the companionship a carer can offer
- You need a short break to prioritise yourself rather than your loved one, so you can continue being a present and loving family carer when you get back
Where is respite care offered?
Respite care can be offered in a variety of professional settings around London, ensuring you find the best option for your loved one without having to venture too far afield.
Here are the options available to you:
- Home care: A professional carer can temporarily visit or stay at your loved one’s home while you’re unable to care for them.
- Residential or nursing homes: Many care homes offer short-term respite care to provide a much-needed rest for family carers.
- Day care centres: These centres offer plenty of social activities and outings for your loved one to enjoy, giving their carer a break during the day while they’re cared for and meeting new people.
- Hospice: Some hospice settings offer respite care if your loved one has a terminal illness or is nearing the end of their life.
The benefits of respite care at home
There are plenty of benefits to taking some ‘me-time’ by organising respite care for your loved one:
Respite gives you time for rest and recuperation
Caring for a loved one is incredibly selfless and demanding, so it’s no wonder that many family carers need a break every now and then. Unfortunately, negative feelings such as guilt and anxiety often stop them from doing just that, leading to resentment, exhaustion and tension.
Giving yourself time to relax and unwind means:
- Less stress for you and your loved one, giving you both more patience to deal with your current situation
- More time to spend looking after yourself and practising self-care
- A better relationship between you and your loved one who needs your support
- More time for socialising with other family members and friends
It gives you a chance to tend to other responsibilities
Family carers usually care for their loved ones while managing other responsibilities, such as children, school drop-offs, full-time work and relationships. It’s not easy and can often lead to things piling up, leading to lots of extra stress.
Organising respite for one or two days a week gives you time to focus on other responsibilities other than caring, letting you figure out a better work-life balance.
Relieves tensions and stress
It’s not uncommon for tensions to rise when a family member begins caring for someone – especially when it changes the power dynamic. For example, a parent may feel upset about their child, who they spent decades nurturing, suddenly becoming the carer. While many understand this is a good thing, it can bring up complex feelings that cause friction in families.
Giving yourself a break through respite care allows this dynamic to dissipate for a while, letting you return to ‘just’ a daughter, son, brother or sister. Letting someone else provide support for a while gives you both time to cool off and remember the good things about your caring arrangement.
Your loved one has a chance to socialise with others
It may come as a surprise to some, but people who require care often enjoy respite just as much as family carers. This is because it gives them a chance to socialise with others and experience things they might not with their full-time carer.
A professional carer will also provide undivided support to your loved one, which you may not be able to do depending on your other commitments.
Respite care in London uniquely tailored to your needs
At Patricia White’s, our carers are dedicated to providing the best possible care tailored to your needs, whether through respite care a couple of days a week, or one short-term stay while you take an extended break. We’ll match you with one of our experienced and fully-trained carers depending on your specific requirements.
Our respite care service provides:
- Mobility support and steadying
- Assistance with showering, bathing, shaving and oral hygiene
- Support with dressing
- Much-needed companionship
- Help with toileting
We offer respite home care all over the UK, including the London Boroughs of Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Westminster.
Talk to our dedicated team of experts today
The standards set by Patricia White 30 years ago still apply today. Call our experienced team today on 01293 224712 to discuss your home care needs and receive a free, no-obligation quotation.
Or feel free to send us a message using our online enquiry form. A member of our expert care team will respond as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours.
