In May there are two bank holidays and in the blink of an eye we’ll be into holiday season. There are people rushing to the beach, the park and places for short weekend get-aways or two week holidays to make the most of precious time off.
For those who are carers for loved ones at home this can be a very stressful time. They may need to organise care when the country seems to go offline or to allow them to have a break. Or they may feel they cannot go away at all.
It can be extremely hard for carers to get the respite they need but also to feel safe in the knowledge that their family member is being looked after.
I have heard of instances where carers of family members have dropped their family member off at the hospital ahead of a bank holiday weekend or Christmas so that they can have a break. The NHS doesn’t need this, especially now.
Yet temporary or short-term care is available though it has to be paid for, of course.
Temporary care is exactly as it sounds. Care for a short burst of time, whether that be for a week or two weeks to allow for a loved one to have purposeful and targeted care while a carer is away.
Or it could be for help for a short period for someone who is recovering from an operation, for example, because they live alone and have family members who are not in a position to help or who simply live many miles away. Temporary carers can visit or they can live-in for a short period of time based on needs and budgets. For some who need short-term care, assisted living allowance (if they qualify) can help towards these costs.
It can be difficult to have a stranger come into your home, if you do live alone, to care for you however they are not a stranger for long and they are professionals who will listen to – and respect – your needs, your wishes and your safety.
You shouldn’t have to face the need for care (for yourself or for a loved one) without knowing your options and what is available to you.
Shreeve Care Services can help with that, drop me a message if you do need professional support.
