What is the difference between residential care and respite care? Choosing the right option for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what options are available and what they involve. Residential care is a more permanent type of support while respite care is a temporary stay offering the main support provider an opportunity to take a break. We’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed choice:
What Is Residential Care?
Residential care is a form of long-term support within a purpose built facility where residents are able to receive round the clock support with things like medication, meals and daily routines, socialise and take advantage of the activities a residential care home may be able to provide. It’s often chosen if an individual is no longer able to live safely on their own or if their needs are expected to increase over time.
Usually before a resident is admitted, a thorough review takes place to figure out the level of support needed to meet the individual’s needs. We at Select use this information to create a personalised plan for each of our residents to make sure they’re receiving the exact type of support they need.
Benefits of Residential Care
Residential care offers a stable, consistent environment with 24/7 support available to residents and it often provides the opportunity for socialisation and taking part in activities like local outings for example that may otherwise not be possible as part of the person’s daily life. What’s more it provides families and people close to the individual with peace of mind knowing that their loved one is safe and looked after in a homely environment.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is a temporary stay in a purpose built facility and can be arranged for varying amounts of time depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual receiving it and the person responsible for their day-to-day support, from a day/a few days to a couple of weeks, for example. It’s a popular choice in situations where the primary guardian is looking to take a break from their responsibilities for a short time while their loved one continues to receive the support they need.
Respite care can also be a good option to see how a family member will adjust in an assisted living facility and give them the opportunity to try new activities and socialise and can often become a stepping stone to a more permanent residency.
Benefits of Respite Care
Respite care is perfect for transitional stays after hospital discharge or illness for example, or as a trial to test out how the individual adjusts to the new environment. It’s incredibly useful not only for the person receiving support but also for their regular support person as it allows them the opportunity to take a break, recharge, travel and attend to personal needs. It’s also beneficial for its flexibility as it allows people to test out options without making a commitment.
What Is the Difference Between Residential Care and Respite Care?
Residential care typically provides a long-term home while respite care offers a temporary stay, usually to give the main support provider a break, so the difference between the two lies mainly in the duration and purpose of the stay:
When to Choose Residential Care
Long-term support may be more suitable when:
- The need for support has been there for a while and is expected to remain / increase
- You’re worried about your loved one falling, failing to properly take medication or prepare meals
- Your loved one is becoming isolated and lacks social interaction
- Providing the required support at home is becoming hard or isn’t possible
- The person needs 24/7 support with meals, medication and overall daily routines
When to Choose Respite Care
A short-term option may be the right choice when:
- Your loved one is in a transitional period after a hospital stay or an illness
- You or another support provider needs a break to recharge or attend to personal needs
- You’d like to try out a residential home before making a permanent commitment
- Usual arrangements have been disrupted temporarily
- Emergency support is needed while permanent plans are being made
Making the Right Choice
Making the right choice between residential and short term support may not be easy and can feel overwhelming. To make it at least a little bit easier, we’ve put together the main steps/aspects you’ll need to consider before making a decision:
- Assess the person’s needs and what they need support with (e.g. mobility, daily routines, medication)
- Think about whether this is a temporary need for support or whether it’s expected to remain/increase
- Involve your loved one in the decision making process and consider their preferences, routines, thoughts and any concerns they might have
- Consider the usual support provider’s needs and whether a short break might help them continue caring for your loved one at home
- Review costs and funding options and compare those to your budget
- Research facilities available in the area
Select Healthcare offers a range of purpose built facilities across England and Wales offering both residential and respite care services within a home-from-home environment. If you’re not sure which type of support would benefit your loved one the most or have any questions about what the process is or how to get started, feel free to get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.
