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• Category: FAQs
• Tags: respite care and short-term accommodation
• Date: 18 Jan

In Perth, respite care and short-term accommodation services are provided by a variety of organizations, including government-funded agencies(NDIS), non-profit organizations, and for-profit companies. These services can include in-home respite care, where a carer comes to the individual’s home to provide care, as well as short-term stays in facilities for individuals who need assistance with daily living activities. Bila Community Group is an example of respite care and short-term accommodation services in Perth.

What is Respite care?

Respite care is designed to provide temporary relief for family carers or primary caregivers. Respite care and short-term accommodation can be provided in a variety of settings, such as the individual’s home, a respite care facility, or a hospital or nursing home. Respite care can be provided for a few hours a day or for several days or weeks, depending on the needs of the carer and the person receiving care. The purpose of respite care is to give the primary carer a break from their caregiving responsibilities so that they can rest, relax, or attend to their other important matters. It can also provide the person receiving care with a change of scenery, new experiences, and socialization opportunities. 

The two types of respite care are as follows:

• Residential respite.
• Non- Residential Respite. 

Residential respite and short-term accommodation: This type of respite care is provided in a specialized facility, such as a respite care center, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. The individual receiving care will stay at the facility for a short period of time while the primary carer takes a break. Residential respite care and short-term accommodation can provide the person receiving care with access to professional staff and additional services, such as therapy and recreational activities. These activities may consist of Camp trips, Outdoor and Adventurous Pursuits, etc.

Non-residential respite or in-home respite care: This type of respite care is provided in the individual’s home. A trained carer comes to the home to provide care and assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. This allows the primary carer to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities, while the person receiving care remains in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own home. These activities may consist of: 

• Recreational and community-based sports activities
• Daily activities and errands.
• Mentoring and assisting with regular tasks.
• Setting objectives
• Healthy lifestyle

Both types of respite care have advantages, and the choice between the two will be determined by the needs of the person receiving care as well as the primary caregiver.

Advantages of residential respite and short-term accommodation:

There are several advantages to residential respite care and short-term accommodation, including:

1. Relief for primary caregivers: Residential respite care and short-term accommodation provide primary carers with a much-needed break from their caregiving responsibilities. This can help reduce stress and burnout and improve the overall well-being of the primary caregiver.
2. Professional care: Residential respite care and short-term accommodation facilities are staffed by trained professionals who are able to provide high-quality care and assistance to individuals with a wide range of needs.
3. Socialization opportunities: Residential respite and short-term accommodation facilities provide individuals with the opportunity to socialize with others and participate in group activities. This can be beneficial for those who may be isolated or lonely. If you are looking for respite care and short-term accommodation services in Perth you can reach out to Bila Community Group for their best and most reliable services.
4. Access to additional services: Residential respite care and short-term accommodation facilities often provide access to additional services, such as therapy, recreational activities, and meals. If you are looking for disability housing options in Perth you can read this to get more insights.
5. Safety: Residential respite and short-term accommodation facilities are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for individuals who may be at risk of falls or other accidents.
6. Flexibility: Residential respite and short-term accommodation services can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual, whether they need a few hours of care per day or a longer-term stay.
7. Cost-effective: Residential respite and short-term accommodation can be more cost-effective than in-home care, especially if the primary carer needs to take extended leave.

Advantages of Non-residential respite or in-home respite care:

There are several advantages to non-residential or in-home respite care, including:

1. Familiar surroundings: In-home respite care allows the individual to receive care in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own home.
2. Tailored care: In-home respite care can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual, allowing them to receive care in a way that best suits their preferences and needs.
3. Continuity of care: In-home respite care can help maintain continuity of care, as the same carer can provide care on a regular basis, allowing the individual to build trust and rapport with their caregiver.
4. Cost-effective: In-home respite care can be more cost-effective than residential respite care and short-term accommodation, especially for those who only require a few hours of care per day.
5. Privacy: In-home respite care allows individuals to maintain their privacy and independence, as they do not have to share their living space with others.
6. Reduced stress: In-home respite care can reduce stress for the individual, as they do not have to leave their home and adjust to a new environment.
7. Flexibility: In-home respite care can be scheduled at times that are convenient for both the primary carer and the individual receiving care, providing much-needed flexibility.
8. Familiarity: In-home respite care can be beneficial for people with memory issues, as it maintains a familiar environment and routines that can help reduce confusion and agitation.

There are a few disadvantages to both residential respite and short-term accommodation and Non-residential respite care:

1. Limited availability of caregivers: In-home respite care may be difficult to find in certain areas, and the availability of carers can be limited. Whereas in residential respite professionals take the charge of everything.
2. Lack of oversight: In-home respite care may not have the same level of oversight and supervision as residential respite care facilities, which can increase the risk of neglect or abuse.
3. Access to extra services may be limited:  For example, in-home respite care may not offer the same range of extra services like therapy and fun activities that are available in residential respite care facilities.
4. Higher cost for longer hours: For longer hours of care, in-home respite care may be more expensive than non-residential respite care.
5. Privacy: There may not be enough privacy and time for the primary carer with in-home respite care, since they may still be responsible for the care of the person getting care during the hours of respite care. But in residential respite the caregivers and the trained staff take care and the primary carer gets the relief.
6. Limited Socialization: In-home respite care may not offer the same socialization opportunities as residential respite care.
7. Possible isolation: If the person getting care lives alone or has trouble moving around, in-home respite care may not be the best choice because it limits their access to the rest of the community.
8. Shortage of trained workers: In-home respite care may not have as many trained workers as care in a residential respite, which can lower the quality of care.

Conclusion

Both residential respite care and short-term accommodation and non-residential or in-home respite care have their own advantages and disadvantages and can provide much-needed relief for primary carers and care for the person in need. Residential respite and short-term accommodation facilities provide professional care, socialization opportunities, access to additional services, and safety, and can be cost-effective.

On the other hand, non-residential or in-home respite care allows the individual to receive care in familiar and comfortable surroundings, provides tailored care, continuity of care, privacy, reduced stress, and flexibility, and can be cost-effective as well. The choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the person receiving care and the primary caregiver. For more information, you can contact Bila Community Group.