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 becoming exhausted and run down.
Our respite programmes are designed to provide family carers with a valuable, time-limited break which minimises any upheaval or stress for the client.
Census 2022 figures published in 2023 showed that over 299,000 people in Ireland identified as family carers, an 53% increase from Census 2016.
This figure is likely much larger too as many carry out this role naturally and automatically for their loved ones but may not identify as family carers per se.
This total is only set to rise in Ireland as well, so Comfort Keepers is here to help these individuals whenever they require some assistance themselves.
Respite Care in your own home
The service 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.
We at Comfort Keepers recognise the importance of this alleviation of duties for family carers, supporting them in maintaining their own wellbeing and avoiding burnout.
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.
You can rely on our trained Healthcare Assistants for 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 your specific situation and needs.
Taking a holiday or break
Respite care means you can take time away to go on holiday or a short break knowing your loved one is in safe hands.
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—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 €1,850, and it is not taxable. One Respite Care grant is paid for each person getting care.
Please be aware that there are certain rules attached to this grant.
