Making the choice to move into Residential Aged Care can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider – the location, the level of care you expect and need, and whether you’ll be able to maintain your independence, just to name a few. If you or a family member are struggling with making a decision on Residential Aged Care, it might be helpful to consider Respite Care as an option. A Respite Care stay could be a great way for you to “try before you buy” and possibly even resolve any misconceptions you have had on Residential Aged Care. Let’s find out more.
What is Respite Care?
Respite Care is a short-term care solution that is either planned in advance or can be used in the event that your usual care support is unavailable due to emergency or illness. Residential Respite Care can be as short as a handful of days or last up to several weeks, depending on the requirements of the person needing care.
Who provides Respite Care?
Most Residential Aged Care providers offer the option of short-stay Respite Care. Simply contact your preferred provider to find out more about what they offer.
How can Respite Care help you decide on Residential Aged Care?
Residential Respite Care will allow you to experience the lifestyle within an Aged Care Residence before committing to Permanent Care as a full-time resident. An added benefit of using Respite Care in this way is that it’s possible, over time, to try several locations and styles of care and see which is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle. This means that you can have absolute peace of mind when it comes to your ultimate decision to move into Residential Aged Care, because you have first-hand experience of the residence, the carers, and the lifestyle and allied health options on offer.
Using Respite Care as a trial run for selecting a permanent Aged Care Residence to call home, can be helpful for the following reason:
- It allows you and your family members to ask questions of the care provider as they arise, based on your experiences.
- You will have a fuller understanding of how Residential Aged Care works and how independent you can be.
- You can form relationships with carers, other residents, and support staff to make your move more comfortable and reduce anxiety.
- Your family members can find out first-hand how involved they can be in your care and lifestyle.
- You can gain a better idea about any optional extras on offer from the Aged Care provider and whether you need or want these.
- The carers and support staff will get to know you and your specific needs before you make the move permanently, so will be ready to tailor your care plan once you do move in.
Families often find that exploring Aged Care through a temporary Respite Care experience can provide valuable insights.
TriCare Williams Landing resident Martin Taylor first moved in to our Melbourne facility on a Respite Care stay earlier this year.
“Dad absolutely loved his respite stay and has since moved in full-time,” Martin’s son, Danny explains.
“From the moment he moved in, we noticed a positive change in his outlook and health.”
Who pays for Respite Care?
Most Aged Care home packages include some funding for Respite Care, so it pays to check whether this is the case for you. Alternatively, eligible people may receive up to 63 days of Commonwealth funding for Respite Care per financial year. Check the My Aged Care portal to find out more.
Who can I contact to find out more?
Why not start your Residential Aged Care trial with TriCare? With sixteen Aged Care residences located across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, regional Queensland, and our brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Williams Landing, Melbourne, there is sure to be a residence that meets your care needs in a setting you love. Our dedicated and passionate team would love to welcome you and help you discover the TriCare difference for yourself.
For more information on booking a Respite Care short-stay trial, contact us or book a tour at your desired location.
