Respite at Home
Respite Care doesn't have to be offered in a care home, it can mean putting arrangements in place for care to be provided in the person with dementia’s own home, so that the main carer can take a break, for anything from an hour to a week or more. Respite doesn't have to be only an occasional thing; it may mean increasing care provision so that the main carer can get out of the house every day, or attend a group once a week, for example. The care can be offered by family members, friends or professional carers.
Try to accept any offers of help from friends and family as much as possible, even if it seems unnecessary in the early stages of dementia. The more involved friends and family can be, the easier it will be for them to spend time with the person with dementia. If the main carer refuses early offers of help they may find that friends and family do not feel confident to relieve them of responsibility from time to time as dementia progresses.
Guideposts can offer a sitting service for carers, so that they can attend appointments, go out socially or attend a support group knowing that their cared for person will be safe and well.
Guideposts Trust offers short breaks for carers as part of its help at home service. Contact Julie Earby on 01452 410101 for information and to discuss your needs.
There are other organisations which can offer respite. Some organisations will make a charge while others may offer a free service. Crossroads Care provides respite to carers. Other options for respite support for carers can be found in Your Circle.
Live in Carers
It may be possible to have a home care provider who lives with the person with dementia in their home. This can be a good alternative to going into a residential care home as there is less disruption for the person with dementia and the house is kept occupied. The United Kingdom Home Care Association can provide information about live-in carers.
