Respite Care - The importance of taking a break from care

While elderly and frail people may receive in-home care, there are some occasions when they will need respite care and Columbia is there to help.

Short-term respite care is available at Columbia Aged Care Services residential homes on a planned or emergency basis. Respite care assists carers, as well as frail older people and others with care needs, to continue living at home. It provides care for events such as recovery from an operation or a regular carer not being available due to holidays or needing a break from their usual care arrangements.

We know that carers need support and regular breaks to be able to continue in their demanding roles. We also know that breaks provide benefits for the person being cared for. They can bring new experiences, new conversations and a change of scenery. People who live alone may also stay in a Columbia facility for a short break. Afterwards the elderly person will return home to their usual care arrangements.

About Respite Care

Many people have a family member or friend who provides care to help them continue to live at home. Respite care offers a safe home-like environment for frail older people, which gives their family and carers a break from the work of caring for that person.

Respite care can include:

in-home care, ranging from a few hours a week to overnight care;
day care centers providing full- or half-day care;
residential aged care in a home for two or three weeks.

The benefits of respite care

Regular breaks from caring can help to relieve the stress and exhaustion that often comes with the role of caring. Respite care can be provided at the care level needed, depending on requirements. It also provides the opportunity for Columbia to get to know the person and them to know us. If the need arises for full time care, then they can book into a familiar environment.

Taking a break as a carer for the first time

A carer may feel concerned that they will no longer be in charge of what happens to the person they care for, or concerned they will not be well cared for without them. Some tips from other carers that may help include:

Start with small breaks and work up to longer ones;
Make respite real for both of parties by taking a complete break – don’t be tempted to visit;
Remember that it is important for health and well being to take regular breaks – it’s worth a try.

Sometimes the person cared for may be reluctant to agree or cooperate with their carer’s need for a respite. They may feel angry or confused about their need for a break and be anxious about what it means for them. Over time, this will change and they will most likely look forward to the break as must as the carer does.

A respite stay at a Columbia Centre may be just the break the carer, the person they care for and their family need.

Availability of Respite

Each person is allowed 63 days of respite care in a financial year, with the possibility of extensions of 21 days at a time if considered necessary.

Cost of Respite Care

If the elderly person receives government-subsidised respite care in a Columbia facility, they will need to pay a basic daily flat fee. A booking fee may also be payable to assist in organising care. Respite residents do not pay an accommodation charge or bond and they don’t have to pay any additional income-tested charges.

Respite care is provided by community care services, such as the Home and Community Care Program (HACC), National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) and by residential care homes.

For more information