Respite Care
Respite care is temporary care that provides a programme of care visits. Respite care is designed to provide family carers with a break from care provision whilst minimising any impact for the client.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care means taking a break from caring, while the person you care for is looked after by someone else. It lets you take time out to look after yourself and helps stop you from becoming exhausted and run down.
Our respite care programmes are designed to provide family carers with a valuable, time-limited break while minimising any upheaval and stress to the client.
Respite Care in your own home
The programmes will be provided in the client’s home, allowing them to feel safe and supported in the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Respite care is an essential option for providing care to a loved one and has a range of benefits for both the client and their family carer.
When should you consider Respite Care?
Respite care can help family carers balance life with their caring duties and allow them to catch up on everything else they need to do.
Our adult respite care services provide essential relief for both short-term needs and long-term assistance, ensuring your loved ones receive the best care.
Preventing healthcare assistant burnout and stress
Caring full-time for someone is a major responsibility and it is important for family carers to be able to manage the rest of their lives without worrying about their loved one.
With our trained healthcare assistants and clinical support, you can rely on our backup whenever you need it.
Short-term care after surgery or medical emergencies
Respite care can also be beneficial to someone seeking short-term care or rehabilitation after surgery or a medical emergency.
If you’re caring for a person with a disability at home, our respite care plans offer support tailored to their specific needs, ensuring you receive the backup you deserve.
Taking a holiday or break
For family carers seeking to go on holiday or away on a short break, respite care means you can take time away knowing your loved one is in safe hands.
Whether it’s a short holiday or a weekend break, in-home respite care makes it possible for carers to take the time they need.
The Respite Care Grant
The Respite Care Grant is an annual payment made to carers by the Department of Social Protection in June of each year. It is automatically paid to carers receiving Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance or Prescribed Relative’s Allowance.
The current Respite Care Grant is €1850, and it is not taxable. One Respite Care Grant is paid for each person getting care.
There are certain rules attached to the grant. You can find out more about the Respite Care Grant Rules on the Citizens Information site.
What are the benefits of Respite Care?
Respite care is flexible to the needs of our client, and we will work with them and their family to ensure the package is comprehensive and fine-tuned. Some of the primary benefits include:
- Extra support for both the family carer and client
- The addition of a new face to the care ecosystem
- The opportunity for the family carer to have renewed energy after a break
- Care support in the safety of your own home allows changes to care to happen in familiar surroundings
- Future-proofing by ensuring there is a backup option if anything impacts the family carer’s capacity to care
- Reduced stress and burnout by providing essential breaks, allowing carers to maintain high-quality care without exhaustion
- The opportunity to bring in an independent point of view
- Flexible emergency respite care options offer immediate support when unforeseen circumstances arise, ensuring continuous care for loved ones
- Increased social engagement for clients, encouraging meaningful interactions and activities to reduce loneliness and promote emotional wellbeing
Trusted and trained care professionals
Our healthcare assistants are key members of the Comfort Keepers family. They have received comprehensive training and have undergone Garda Vetting and reference confirmation.
What services are provided during Respite Care?
Respite care services are designed to meet a wide range of needs, ensuring both clients and their families receive comprehensive support.
Adult, disability, and dementia respite care
Whether it’s adult respite care, disability respite care, or support for those living with dementia, our carers offer compassionate, specialised care to suit every individual’s needs.
Enhanced safety and comfort in the home
Our trained healthcare professionals ensure that your loved one feels secure and comfortable in their familiar surroundings, giving you peace of mind during your break.
Personal care assistance
Respite care includes help with personal tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, ensuring that clients’ dignity is maintained while their daily care needs are met.
Housekeeping and daily chores
We assist with household tasks such as changing bed linen, doing laundry, and keeping the living space clean, ensuring a hygienic and comfortable environment.
Meal preparation and nutrition support
Our healthcare assistants prepare nutritious meals, catering to any dietary needs and ensuring your loved one receives the proper nourishment while you’re away.
Social interaction and engagement
Respite care is not just about health support – it also involves cultivating social connections. Our carers engage clients in meaningful activities, supporting their mental well-being and keeping them socially active.
Companionship and emotional support
Our home support workers provide much-needed companionship, sharing conversations and spending time with your loved one to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation during your absence.
Mobility assistance
Respite carers can help with mobility, ensuring that clients move safely around their homes and avoid the risk of falls.
Medication management
Our carers ensure that medication is taken on time and according to the care plan, offering full support to maintain health routines during short-term respite care.
Errand running and practical support
For clients who need assistance with day-to-day tasks like shopping or picking up prescriptions, our carers are there to help, ensuring their needs are met while you take a well-deserved break.
