Taking a break!
72% of carers have not had any breaks from their caring role during the pandemic. Only 14% feel confident that the support they receive with caring will continue into the future.
Caring means something different for everyone – but one thing that's true for every carer is that you cannot keep going without a break. Whilst having a break is doubtlessly good for you, it also means that the person you're looking after may be able to enjoy new experiences, have a change of scene and routine and mix with other people.
Different sorts of breaks - The regular demands of caring can soon lead to feelings of exhaustion, so it's important to recognise when you need a break. There are lots of different options that can be explored. You may need an hour each week, a day here and there, a week or two for a holiday, or a combination of all of these.
You might prefer to go on holiday with the person you're looking after or to go away alone – and a short break or holiday may not always involve going away. Some people enjoy a short break from caring that involves staying at home and the person they're looking after going on holiday
Arranging care cover – there are lots of different options to consider:
Employ a paid care worker to care for the person you are looking after in their own home (directly or through an agency)
Pay for short-term residential care
Arrange a holiday for the person you are looking after
Support from friends and family - Friends or family members might be willing to look after the person you care for whilst you go on a short break or holiday. It might be worth having a conversation to see if they would be willing to stay at your home to provide cover while you're away (if the person you care for lives with you). Alternatively, they might enjoy a change of scenery staying with friends or family.
Employing a private carer - Before you start approaching agencies, you should be clear about the kind of care you are looking for and when you need it. Check that they deal with private clients like yourself and that they are able to provide the kind of care that you need.
Although using an agency is usually more expensive than recruiting a paid care worker yourself, it can make managing care easier because the agency will: take care of the paperwork (e.g., Disclosure and Barring Service checks and all other necessary checks). Essentially, they make the whole process much easier !
Employing a self-employed carer – this can be a really good option as you can book this well in advance, many carers work on a self-employed basis which can be more cost effective for the paying client and result in better pay for the carer. There are many agencies that offer self-employed carer workers like AtHome do.
Finding the right carer is important, and most people often find themselves in crisis before starting to make enquires. Try to gather as much information before you may need a carer it’s better to think ahead as far as possible and explore all the options and avenues to find a carer with plenty of time.
The quickest way to get started is to register for free on the AtHome portal to find a carer. This can be done in just a couple of clicks. You can also check out our FAQ’s where you can find out answers to lots of commonly asked questions about arranging care. You can also email us on hello@athomecaregroup.co.uk or call us on 01275 402240 if you have a specific query. We will aim to respond to all messages within 24 hours.