Respite care means taking a break from caring, whilst the person you care for is looked after by someone else. Caring can become all-consuming, but it is so important that it should not completely take over your life. Being a carer can prove very demanding, taking up a lot of emotional and physical energy!
Sometimes carers feel guilty for taking time off, but you will not be able fulfill your role if you are exhausted or run down. Attending a day centre or short-term stay care home can prove exciting for the person you care for. Your relative will have the chance to meet new people and take part in fun activities.
For the council to fund respite care, your relative must have had a Care Needs Assessment. Please visit our guide on Care Needs Assessments in Hampshire for more details.
Care Homes Offering Respite Care in Hampshire
The following links will take you to three Respite Care directories that we think are really useful. You can filter the searches by area to find the closest to you.
You can also add specific care needs when you search including dementia and physical disabilities. Each home has a rating to help you decide which option is best for your loved one. It is always worth contacting your chosen care provider to confirm what they can offer. Please also be aware that care homes can often have a minimum stay.
Day Centres in Hampshire
Day Care Centres can offer respite care on a day-by-day basis. These centres can be really advantageous if you have a full time job, have something to do on a certain day or simply need to take a break.
Your relative will have the opportunity to meet new people, and take part in organised activities. Please visit the Age Space page for Day Care Centres in Hampshire.
Respite Homecare in Hampshire
Sometimes it is more practical for your elderly relative to have respite care in the home. This means care staff will come into your relative’s home and provide care, including 24/7 care if needs be.
Below, Age Space have recommended services that provide respite home care across Hampshire. It is worth planning well in advance, if possible, so that staff shortage is not a problem.
Elder
Not only do Elder supply longer term live-in care but they can also help to provide short-term respite live-in care, matching you to a carer in as little as 48 hours. The best thing? You only pay for the care you need so that a fully vetted carer can move in for a short time and provide the care and routine that you normally do.
Bluebird Homecare
Bluebird offer personalised care visits, including respite home care. They put together a detailed plan for each individual setting out the care to be delivered meaning you can relax on your time off, knowing everything is in safe hands.
Across the Hampshire there are 12 Bluebird Homecare hubs. Click on your local one below for contact details to make a care plan:
Caremark
Caremark’s kind and highly qualified carers can visit your elderly relative’s home to take over the caring, giving you time out whenever you need. This can be pre-arranged but Caremark also offer an emergency service when someone needs care urgently.
This means whether you require a one-off 30 minute visit or 24 hour temporary live-in care, Caremark can help out. Across Hampshire there are three local hubs. Contact yours today to make a personalised plan:
Emergency Respite Care in Hampshire
Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Hampshire
In case of an emergency, we recommend that you make an emergency plan with the Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire. The team provide support to discuss, develop and implement an emergency team.
Up to 48 hours of care may be available for the person you care for in the event of emergency. This means you have peace of mind, knowing there will be someone there to support your loved one. To begin your plan call the trust on 01264 835246.
Following this, a carer will visit your elderly relative’s home (or your home if they live with you) to discuss your requirements. With the carer’s support, an emergency plan is put together. Carers emergency cards can also be made for you to carry, with the appropriate contact details on.
The above helpline is open 24 hours, should you require further support in the event of an emergency.
Carers Alert Scheme, Isle of Wight
The Carers Emergency Alert scheme is a free local service available to all unpaid carers on the Isle of Wight. Carers register with the scheme providing details of who they look after and appropriate contact details.
The information is held securely by Wightcare and carers are given an emergency wristband with contact details on. This means Wightcare can take action depending on what has happened to you, to ensure your loved one is in safe hands.
To register call: 01983 821105
