If you have come to the conclusion that respite care at home would benefit yourself or a loved one, you will want to find out how to get it. Here we talk you through some of the steps you can take to ensure that the best, most appropriate help is received.

Assess your needs

The first step is to assess the needs of both the person requiring the care and yourself if you are the primary caregiver. It is vital to determine these, as taking care of your mental and physical health is also extremely important when caring for someone. Assessing these needs will enable you to decide if respite care at home is the best solution and help you establish the required level of care. It may be that a weekly visit would provide that bit of support you are looking for. Or you might benefit from short term live-in care to cover you  whilst they go on a trip or have other commitments. It allows you to take time for yourself knowing that your loved one is being cared for the way you would. Respite care is set up as a flexible service that prioritises meeting everyone’s needs whilst making sure care consistency of care is not compromised. Creating a list of requirements is helpful to ensure you have covered everything, including medical, social, and emotional needs. A consultation with a healthcare professional or social worker can also help you identify the type and duration of respite care that would be most appropriate.

Research local respite care providers

The next step in getting respite care is to find a provider that meets your needs and preferences. Start by researching agencies in your area that offer respite services. Speak with friends or family members who have used respite care, local health professionals, or look at online reviews. Making a list of questions to ask the care providers can be very helpful in ensuring you cover everything. Once you have identified potential companies, you should evaluate them to ensure that they can meet your needs. This may involve calling them for a chat, visiting their offices, and checking references. Right At Home provides respite care services in the Twickenham & Richmond area and can support you with this process by providing the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. They can give you an approximation of potential costs once they have established your requirements.

Establish your budget 

Establishing a budget is the best way to determine how much you can spend on homecare services. It is a good idea to include all financial resources available such as any assistance you may qualify for and other contributions from family. The government website is a great place to start, as it details attendance and carer's allowances. These are both potential financial assistance that you may be able to claim. Setting a realistic homecare budget not only helps you to understand the process better but also enables you to stay in control. Reviewing this budget periodically also helps ensure that it continues to meet your needs.

Make arrangements 

Once you have researched respite care providers and established your budget, you can start to look at getting the homecare services in place. Scheduling an initial meeting with your chosen agency is imperative so that everyone can meet each other and understand who will provide respite care at home. Be sure to communicate clearly with them about your needs and expectations and provide any further relevant information regarding the person who will be receiving the care. Setting up all these details will ensure the process runs smoothly. 

Going through this process enables you to decide on the best services to suit your needs and budget. Respite care can be a great way to give yourself some much-needed rest and time to focus on your hobbies or interests. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy the benefits of having some help and respite. With the proper respite care at home, you can enjoy greater peace of mind and improved quality of life for you and your loved ones. 

Now that you understand the process of getting respite care, why not call Right At Home to learn more about our services on 01420 481716. One of our friendly team will be happy to help answer any questions you may have.

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