Caring for an elderly family member or loved one can be an immense responsibility that doesn’t come with holidays or sick leave. Whether you are planning a vacation, facing an emergency, your loved one needs medical attention due to illness or recent surgery, or you simply need temporary relief from caregiving duties – Respite Care is designed to support caregivers with temporary relief, ensuring that your loved one continues to receive high-quality support while you take a break.
We find Respite Care can also be a positive experience for seniors, who often find an improved sense of wellness and belonging during their stay, sometimes leading to a smooth transition into Permanent Aged Care.
What is Respite Care?
Respite Care is short-term, temporary care which allows regular caregivers to take a break. The primary goal of Respite Care is to provide attentive support and care to seniors, allowing you time to rest, rejuvenate or handle other matters.
Respite Care not only benefits you as the caregiver, but it also provides your loved one with the opportunity to interact with new people and enjoy participating in different activities. This fresh change of environment and routine can be a positive shift, providing new experiences in mental stimulation and social engagement that can improve their overall wellbeing.
Who is best suited to Respite Care?
Respite Care is suitable for any seniors who require assistance with daily activities, supervision due to cognitive conditions like dementia, or support while recovering from surgery. For instance, if your loved one needs help with bathing, dressing, and medication management they might benefit from the support provided in Respite Care. Similarly, senior parents or partners who have recently been discharged from the hospital and require more intensive support before returning home can find Respite Care to be a beneficial part of their recovery process.
Respite Care can be particularly helpful for those with cognitive conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, because people with these conditions often require intensive supervision and care that can overwhelm families and caregivers.
Respite Care provides a safe and supportive environment where your loved one can receive the care they need from a specially trained team, allowing caregivers to be at ease that their family members are in good hands.
How does Respite Care work?
At TriCare, Respite Care stays are designed to prioritise your loved one’s wellbeing. TriCare’s Aged Care Residences have a range of social activities and programs that bring residents together to socialise, exercise, and have fun. Your loved one is welcome to participate in the full range of activities on offer during their Respite Care stay.
Our experienced nursing staff are dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each resident during their stay with us too, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved one in care. During Respite Care, your loved one can expect comfortable accommodation, delicious and nutritious meals, and any personal care needs to be handled professionally and with compassion.
What happens when Respite Care is finished?
Once the respite period ends, you and your family can return to your duties feeling refreshed and recharged to continue taking care of your loved one. Respite Care also often leaves seniors with a renewed sense of wellbeing as they return home.
Respite Care may also be an opportunity to see if Permanent Aged Care is a suitable option for your family, as Respite Care allows you to ensure the care and facilities fit your preferences before committing to longer term arrangements.
Others may choose to make Respite Care a regular arrangement to support the lifestyle of your family and your loved one. Frequent respite stays can also provide seniors a range of benefits, as your loved ones can enjoy frequent socialising and engagement with activities designed to boost their wellbeing and cognitive function.
Respite Care at TriCare
All TriCare Aged Care Residences offer Respite Care, where your loved one will be welcomed into a supportive and vibrant community. Each facility provides 24/7 nursing care and support with daily activities, engaging recreational programs, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and comfortable accommodation.
Our TriCare Residences have highly qualified staff dedicated to providing personalised care that meets the unique needs of your loved ones, ensuring the highest standard of care.
How to apply for Respite Care
The Australian Government funds various caring services, including Respite Care for seniors. To be eligible to receive Aged Care in Australia, your loved one must be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). You can apply for an assessment through My Aged Care, Services Australia.
Once you have the ACAT approval, you can book a FREE consultation with our Aged Care Specialist Team by calling 1300 874 2273. Our team will review your ACAT Assessment, and ask questions to understand your loved one’s needs and preferences, and explain our range of Respite Care services and accommodation options. We strive to make the application process as smooth and straightforward as possible, ensuring that you have all the information and support you need.
We invite anyone interested in Respite Care to come in for a tour of your preferred TriCare Residence, so you can meet the team and ensure the facility suits your preferences. Once families have completed an application and accept their Offer of Place, the organised Respite Care period can begin.
What to arrange a visit to discuss Respite Care? Click on the link below or call 1300 874 2273.
