What is In Home Care?

While many people don’t see themselves as primary carers, around 12% or 2.7 million Australians care for someone who has a disability, a medical condition or is frail due to advanced age. As the population is living longer and have more complex medical needs, providing care can be both physically and emotionally exhausting as a primary caregiver. In Home Care is making it easier for elderly people and those with disabilities to live in their home for longer. One of the most important roles of home care services is in home respite care which is used when your family or primary caregivers need to take a temporary break. Some instances where a client may require respite care include

• If the client is terminally ill and requires palliative care
• The carer might be experiencing health issues of their own or could potentially be at risk of caregiver burnout
• The primary carer might be travelling or working longer hours. Hence, they may not be able to provide sufficient care to their loved one.

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical and mental exhaustion. It is often seen in family members or loved ones of those with a disability as the demands of caring for someone with a disability can often become overwhelming. Some of the common signs of caregiver burnout include

• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Changes in appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Feeling like you want to hurt the person that you care for
• Emotional or physical exhaustion
• Lacking motivation

One of the common solutions for caregiver burnout is temporary in-home respite care which can be accessed for a few hours or a few days per week. This often allows for the caregiver to maintain a healthy mind and body, and possibly gives the person being cared for a different perspective on their overall condition.

What services are part of In-Home Respite Care?

In home respite care can take many forms, but it essentially boils down to the primary caregiver sharing the burden of caregiving so that they can take a break. This can help to reduce the risk of caregiver burnout and provide a fresh perspective on your family member’s condition and overall health. Some of the services that can be provided as part of respite care include

• Transport to and from appointments
• Personal care
• Care for persons with dementia
• Palliative care
• Companionship and social support
• Home maintenance

If you or your loved one is in need of emergency respite care, then please contact Carer Gateway at https://www.carergateway.gov.au/ or 1800 422 737. Otherwise, one of the friendly staff at Home Care Assistance SE Melbourne will be happy to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have when considering respite care.