If you are a young adult who is physically disabled and you usually live at home, there may be times when you need somewhere else to stay for a short period. Knowing whether your needs will be met during this time is something that can bring a lot of anxiety, and this is where respite care can help. This allows you to stay temporarily in a residential care home for young adults, where you can receive the care and support you need. It also provides a short break from your usual routine while giving your family or usual carers time to rest or attend to other commitments. So what is respite care for young adults? And could this be a good fit for you?
What is respite care?
Respite care is temporary care that is provided for a short period of time in a residential care home. You can stay here for an agreed amount of time, before returning to your usual home and care and support arrangements. The length of your stay can vary depending on your requirements, but in general you can have respite care for anywhere between a few days to a few weeks, or even longer if this is agreed, depending on your circumstances.
During your stay, you receive the care and support you need from the staff at the residential care home. This means that your needs can continue to be met while you are away from your usual home.
You can find more general information about carers’ breaks and respite care on the NHS website.
How does respite care work for young adults?
For young adults, respite care can involve a temporary stay in a residential care home that is designed to support younger people with physical disabilities or additional care needs. You can stay at the home for an agreed period of time and return home when your respite stay ends.
Before your stay, it’s important to ensure that the care provider fully understands your individual needs and how you prefer to be supported. This may include information about your:
- Personal care needs
- Mobility
- Medication
- Daily routine
- Dietary requirements
- Communication needs
- Specialist equipment
- Interests and preferences
What support is provided during respite care?
The support you receive during respite care will depend on your individual needs, and may include help with:
- Washing and dressing
- Using the toilet
- Moving around safely
- Transferring between your bed, wheelchair or other equipment
- Preparing and eating meals
- Taking medication
- Using specialist equipment
- Managing your daily routine
The level of care should be tailored to you, rather than expecting you to follow the same routine as everyone else. You may also be able to take part in activities and spend time with other young adults staying or living at the home.
At Derby Lodge, our home is fully adapted and we offer a range of activities and leisure options that residents and respite guests can enjoy.
Is respite care only for the family or carers?
Although respite care can give family members and unpaid carers a break from their caring responsibilities, it can also benefit you. By staying in a residential care home for a short period of time, you may have the chance to:
- Meet other young adults
- Take part in activities
- Build new friendships
- Try new experiences
- Develop your confidence
- Enjoy more independence
All of this means that for some young adults, respite care can provide a welcome change of environment and an opportunity to spend time with people of a similar age.
Who is respite care suitable for?
Respite care can be suitable for young adults who normally receive care and support at home but need temporary care elsewhere. For example, respite care may be useful when:
- Your usual carer is unavailable
- Your family is going through a difficult period
- You want a short stay away from home
- You want to experience a different environment
- You are preparing for more independent living
The suitability of respite care will depend on your individual needs and whether the residential care home can provide the right level of support. In many cases, a care needs assessment can help identify the most appropriate type of support.
What should you look for in a respite care setting?
Not every care home will provide respite care for young adults, so it’s important to make sure that the residential care home you are looking at is suitable for your age, needs and lifestyle. As such, you may want to consider:
- Whether the home has experience supporting young adults
- The age range of the other residents or respite guests
- Whether the building is accessible
- The availability of adapted bedrooms and bathrooms
- Whether specialist equipment is available
- The experience and training of staff
- Whether the home can meet your individual care needs
- What activities are available
- Opportunities to socialise
- How you can stay in touch with family and friends
If possible, visiting the home before your first respite stay can help you become more familiar with the environment and the people who work there. You can also find out more about our full adaptations for disabled residents.
When choosing any care home, it can also be helpful to look at what the Care Quality Commission says you should expect from a good service. You can read their guidance on what to expect from a good care home.
In conclusion
Respite care gives young adults the opportunity to stay temporarily in a residential care home while receiving the care and support they need. This may last for a few days, a weekend, several weeks or another agreed period, giving you a change of environment, opportunities to meet other people and experience greater independence. However, it’s important that the setting you choose understands your individual needs, provides appropriate support and offers an environment where you feel comfortable.
This is what we excel at here at Derby Lodge Residential Care Home in Preston. Why not get in touch today to find out more about how we can help?