Caring for a loved one can be rewarding. But we understand that it’s also a task that’s physically and emotionally demanding. Everyone needs a balanced life that includes time to relax, socialise, or simply do the things they enjoy, but when you’re a caregiver, that isn’t always easy.

Respite care involves entrusting the day-to-day care of your loved one to responsible and professional carers, for a temporary period of time. The respite care definition is broad and includes day care at home, or visits to day care centres, as well as the type of flexible residential respite care we provide at B&M Care.

What is involved in respite care?
Individuals are well cared for by compassionate and experienced professionals during respite care, meaning you have time to rest and recharge, so you have the energy to keep caring when they come home.

Person-centred care
At B&M Care, we take a person-centred approach, treating every person in our care as the individual they are. So, the first part of a respite care programme involves a personalised assessment for the person you care for, in their home. We’ll find out what your loved one’s needs are, to ensure that they receive the highest standards of care throughout their stay.

While staying in our care homes, respite care residents have the opportunity to take part in a rich and varied daily programme of engagement and wellbeing activities. They’ll benefit from a nutritious care home menu that caters for any dietary needs or lifestyle requirements.

What are the different types of respite care?

We offer two types of respite care at our care homes: residential care and dementia care

•  Residential care
  Designed for residents with low care needs, residential care provides all-round general care such as help with bathing, dressing, or eating.

•  Dementia care
  People with dementia have extra needs due to their cognitive impairment. This means they may find it harder to adjust to a different environment. 

At B&M Care, we are specialists in dementia care, experienced at caring for people with this condition. Our care homes offer a safe, compassionate and stimulating environment for residents with dementia. 

How long can respite care last?
If your loved one is coming to a care home for respite care, they will typically stay for a short period of time. At our care homes, this could be anything from two weeks to several months. Many individuals who stay with us for respite care will pay recurring visits. 

These short-stay breaks give you time for you. You could go on holiday, focus on tasks at home, or just enjoy some time without caring responsibilities. Respite care is also there for you if you’re temporarily unable to look after someone, perhaps while you recover from an illness, or if you need extra support following surgery or hospital care.

Respite care is temporary, but it can act as an introduction to permanent care. If you are thinking about the possibility of a care home in the future, respite care can act as a ‘trial run’, to see if it works for your family, and to help find the right care home that works best for your relative.

What are the benefits of respite care?
Respite care has many benefits, both for you the caregiver, and the individual you are caring for.

•  Respite care allows you a well-earned break, reducing stress and improving your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Your loved one will benefit from the companionship of peers of a similar age who may have shared interests.
• Respite care residents benefit from a stimulating environment, with access to activities they may not be able to do at home.

What support do B&M Care Homes offer?
At our family run and family focused care homes, we offer a supportive and engaging respite care environment that prioritises the wellbeing of both the individual resident and you, the caregiver. We recognise every resident as a whole person with their own particular interests, beliefs, likes and dislikes, providing a unique programme of care to cater for their individual needs.