Respite care

Respite care is the temporary residential care for a patient with the intention of providing a break for the primary care givers.

Respite care may be given in a hospice, residential nursing home or alternatively as organised holidays for patients.

Respite care is most often given for disabled or terminally ill patients who are normally cared for at home by other members of their family.

Management of respite care system
It is important that respite care facilities are professionallly inspected and maintained to high standards by people who understand the special requirements of the service.

Many people nursed at home are used to their own routine and can become very disorientated by being temporarily moved. For example,the mentally disabled and the confused elderly will not always know the reasons for the move and may fear abandonment etc.

The appearance of short stay residents can be unsettling for longer term residents, particularly if they are disturbed and clear policies should be in place for introducing respite care patrons to others, and providing explanations if there are difficulties.