Hospital isn’t usually anybody’s idea of a life goal, but sometimes, life’s unexpected twists and turns can lead you there. And if your needs have changed because of illness or injury, it’s not always practical to return to your home after you’re well enough to leave hospital.
That’s where the welcoming arms of Respite Care can come in. At TriCare, we understand this transition can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and comforting experience for both patients and their loved ones.
Let’s walk through how this process can work, step by step.
The benefits of Respite Care
Think of Respite Care as a cosy haven, offering a short-term retreat that provides you with the care you need, while also giving relief to your primary caregivers, if you have them, who may not be ready to offer you the care you need, for any number of reasons. Respite Care is a place where recovery and rehabilitation can happen in a nurturing environment, giving everyone a chance to catch their breath and make more permanent plans for the future.
Why choose Respite Care?
There are a few key reasons we see seniors choosing to move to Respite Care, instead of going straight home, or moving immediately and permanently to an unfamiliar Aged Care Residence.
- Specialised care with a personal touch: Our compassionate staff are not just trained professionals; they’re dedicated care professionals ready to cater to the unique needs of each person recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
- Rehabilitation support: We can help your loved one do what they need to do to regain their strength and independence, all delivered with encouragement and care.
- A chance to try before you buy: If your needs have changed due to injury or illness, and you’re considering moving to Permanent Aged Care, a visit to a Respite Care service gives you the chance to experience the Aged Care Residence on a temporary basis, to see if it suits your needs and lifestyle – without the commitment.
- A helping hand for families: Knowing your loved one is in safe, supportive hands can lift a weight off your family’s shoulders, allowing everyone to rest and recharge with peace of mind.
“We talk about it as an opportunity to ‘try before you buy’,” says TriCare Williams Landing Facility Manager Nithin Shetty, adding that it can take the pressure out of decision-making for both the person in need of care and their family and friends.
“It’s an option we’d like to see more people taking advantage of because people can experience a taste of permanent residential care without the risk that they’ll regret their decision. They can see how they adjust to the residence, staff and location, and if they have any misconceptions or concerns about what life in an aged care residence is like, they can have those addressed as well.”
How the process works from hospital to Respite Care
The process of transitioning from a hospital to Respite Care in an Aged Care Residence can usually be arranged quickly, in line with your new circumstances and needs. It usually involves several steps:
Step 1: Assessment
- Hospital Discharge Planner: A hospital discharge planner or social worker assesses your need for Respite Care.
- ACAT Assessment: The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the level of care required. This assessment is essential for accessing government-funded Aged Care services, and it can be fast-tracked if necessary.
Step 2: Finding a Respite Care facility
- Search for Respite Care facility: You, your family, or your social worker can search for suitable Respite Care facilities. You can learn about TriCare’s Respite Care options here.
- Contacting facilities: Once you’ve decided on a short list of potential facilities, you or your family can contact them to check for availability and to arrange a tour.
Step 3: Arranging Respite Care
- Booking: If you find a Respite Care option that suits you, and it has a spot available, you can complete an application form and provide your ACAT assessment.
- Accept offer: Once the paperwork is out of the way, your Respite Care provider will make an Offer of Place, which you can accept and get ready to move in.
Step 4: Preparing for transfer
- Medical information: Your hospital will provide the Respite Care facility with your medical history, current medications, and any special care instructions.
- Personal belongings: The hospital can help you to make arrangements to transfer to the Respite Care facility, and you might also like to have family or friends help you to bring other personal belongings that will make you feel more at home.
Step 5: Moving to Respite Care
- Transport: You will move from the hospital to the Respite Care facility. This is usually organised by the hospital or your family.
- Admission: Staff will welcome you when you arrive, and help you to get settled in your room. They’ll also talk with you about your care plan, and how best to make you feel at home.
Step 6: Ongoing care
- Care plan implementation: Your Respite Care team follows the care plan, including daily care, medication management, and any required therapies to help you feel your best.
- Regular updates: Your team will provide regular updates to you and your family, and may adjust the care plan as needed based on your condition and recovery.
Step 7: Going home or moving to Permanent Aged Care
- Evaluation: Towards the end of your respite period, your care team will evaluate your health and condition, and talk to you about your options. They might recommend that you’re ready to go home, or suggest you make the move to Permanent Aged Care, but ultimately, the decision is up to you and your family.
- Planning: If you decide to return home, your discharge planner or social worker will coordinate the transition back, ensuring all necessary support services are in place. If you decide to move to Permanent Aged Care, your care team can help you to complete the necessary paperwork and make the transition a smooth one. You can read about how that transition works here.
Want to learn more about how TriCare can support you during this time? We’re here to chat, listen, and help you find the right Respite Care solution for you. Call us on 1300 874 2273, and we’ll help you start this journey with warmth, understanding, and expert care.
