Author: Dionne Witter

Respite care is the term for a short stay in a care home. There are many reasons why someone might become a temporary care home resident, including for recovery from a stay in hospital or times when a caregiver might be away.

Respite care can help to provide flexibility when it comes to looking after your loved ones, allowing carers the peace of mind to be able to take a much needed break. At Evermore, respite care doesn’t have to be a one-off stay. Your loved one will be able to return to a friendly home and familiar faces whenever the need arises.

 

Should I feel guilty for using respite care?

Absolutely not! As Carers UK points out, it’s incredibly important for those who care for their loved ones to take the time to rest. Taking a break can help to prevent carer burnout – mental and physical exhaustion which can lead to symptoms including anxiety, fatigue, and high blood pressure, to name a few.

You may be worried about your loved one’s reaction to the suggestion of respite care. At Evermore, we’d encourage involving your them from the start of the process to help ease both your worries. Why not visit the home together, explore the facilities, and make the stay something to look forward to? Gaye Clarke, our Commissioning Director, has found that respite care can be a great opportunity for residents – as well as carers – to have a valuable break: “it’s a chance to meet new people, enjoy a change of scenery and try out some new activities and experiences.”

Quite often, respite residents decide to progress to a long-term stay. Some have made the decision after a previous short-term booking, and some have decided to stay during their respite admission. We’ve found that it can feel less daunting for both the resident and their family to make this decision once a short stay at the home has settled any worries. As stated by the wife of one resident, “My husband began 4 weeks respite [earlier in the year]. He settled well, enjoying lots of different activities and the excellent food. As he was happy, we decided he should stay permanently in the best place for him. The staff are all lovely and caring, whilst keeping me informed.”

At Evermore, you can rest assured that your loved one’s needs will be taken care of fully. From medication to mealtimes – those staying for the short-term are given the same exceptional care as full-time residents. As Gaye says, “with our expert carer assessments in place, we can provide the highest quality respite care breaks.”

 

What will a short stay at an Evermore home look like?

Every short-term resident is assigned a named key worker and given their own private bedroom, which they’ll be able to decorate with photographs, mementos, or ornaments that will make the room feel more like home.

The admissions journey is the same for respite residents as it is for those staying long-term. From day one, your loved one will be welcomed into home life – encouraged to socialise with other residents and take part in activities such as quizzes, bingo, and even armchair exercise classes.

No facilities are off-limits to our respite residents, so your loved one can take full advantage – exploring the gardens, visiting the salon, or relaxing in the cinema room. Between all this, they’ll be treated to fantastic food, prepared by our in-house chef.

 

How do I pay for respite care?

Respite care can be paid for directly to the care home. However, there are funding options available for those who qualify for some extra support.

Following a couple of assessments which consider yourself and your loved one’s circumstances, your local council may help to pay for respite care if you are found financially eligible for funding.

Charities including the Carers Trust and Turn2us may also be able to help.

The NHS website has some great resources on respite care payment options, as well as links to the assessments you’ll need to undertake if you choose to pursue council funding.

 

Interested in respite care?

If you’re considering a short-term stay for your loved one, why not book a visit to one of our homes? You can also take a look at what our residents are getting up to over on our Facebook page.

If you’d like to understand more about respite care, read our full Q & A with Evermore’s Commissioning Director Gaye Clark.

Why Choose a Career in Care?

Working in care is a fulfilling role which can come with many benefits – both in the short and long-term. If you’re considering a career in care, read on to find out more about the types of roles available, and how working at an Evermore Care Home can help you reach your potential.

Looking for a role that providers job satisfies?

It’s no secret that working in care can be incredibly rewarding. The role comes with high job satisfaction as you’ll make a real difference to the lives of people who need care every day. As well as this, care is a social role where you can build relationships with a diverse group of people and get to know care home residents and colleagues more and more each day.

Working in care is great for those who appreciate a lot of variety, as there’s never a dull moment – whether it’s laughing with the residents or joining in with activities! Every day is different at an Evermore care home and you’ll be involved with a huge range of tasks from medication to mealtimes, and lots in-between.

Don’t just take our word for, here’s what one of our senior carers had to say:

“There’s no such thing as a typical day at Ashton Manor, every day is different, which is part of the reason why I love working here.”

Our flexible working opportunities also provide an alternative to the normal 9-5, meaning you’ll be able to fit your career around your home-life and other commitments.

Does care work offer career development?

The care sector is a great choice for those who want the opportunity for career progression and with Evermore, we really want you to develop your skillset, for example, by training in particular areas (such as dementia care).  Working together, we will help you focus your career progression with us to align with your interests and skills.

At Evermore, we believe in investing in our team’s development and offer consistent mentoring and support on the job. Not only will we help you to develop your skills and access opportunities across our services, we’ll also help you to achieve relevant qualifications (including the Care Certificate and the NVQ) and pay for professional membership fees if it’s applicable for your role. Head here to read about our Workforce Development Strategy.

What types of roles are there in the care sector?

Evermore Care Homes recruit a variety of care positions, from care assistants to lifestyle coordinators who organise the curriculum of activities and events for residents, to senior carers, managers, and deputy managers. Care roles are available for both days and nights – perfect for both early birds and night owls.

And it’s not just care related opportunities at our homes, we also have a wide range of roles that suit lots of different skills and backgrounds. For example, positions like head chef, cook, and kitchen assistant are available for those with a background in food preparation.

With other roles including housekeeping, maintenance, laundry assistants, and reception, so there’s something for everyone.

What are the financial benefits of working in care with Evermore?

Amongst the most notable benefits of working in care is access to the Blue Light Card, which allows you to obtain exclusive discounts from a mass of popular retailers, including shops, restaurants, travel agents, and more.

At Evermore, we’re proud to offer Medicash health plans to team members, which include a range of benefits including financial cover for health appointments, eye care, dental care and more.

Team members at Evermore also have access to a great workplace pension scheme, which can help provide peace of mind for the future.

Head here to view the full range of benefits available to our team.

How do I find out more?

Interested in working in care with Evermore? We’d love to hear from you, even if it’s just to have a chat about how a role at one of our homes could be a great place for you to work!

Evermore Care currently has vacancies at Ashton Manor – our care home in Lancaster. Head here to view available roles and submit your application.

Involving Children in a Visit

If you’re considering moving your loved one into a care home, one area that you may be worried about is the best way to keep the strong bonds between your children and their elderly relative. At Evermore, we’re always delighted to welcome children into our care homes and recognise the benefits that visiting children can have on our residents.

Why is it important for children to visit?

Data shows that retirees and children are becoming increasingly segregated, despite research showing the numerous benefits of children and elderly relatives spending time together. Aside from building crucial family bonds, intergenerational communication has been shown to improve confidence in both children and their older relatives. For the elderly in particular, children bring an uplifting energy which can increase motivation, improve wellbeing, and lead our residents to feel more willing to take part in activities.

For those who require dementia care, the results can sometimes be even more dramatic. The presence of children can counter-balance the low self-esteem that those with dementia may experience. In an interview in The Guardian in 2018, Ali Somers, co-founder of Apples and Honey – a nursery purpose-built into the grounds of a care home, said “There’s something about having children on site which makes residents feel more human and gives them permission to care about others. It boosts their confidence and feeling of self-worth.”

How can children get involved with a visit?

At Ashton Manor – our care home in Lancaster – children are always welcome to visit their elderly relatives. Families have the benefit of using our on-site tea room where they can enjoy hot drinks, biscuits, cakes, and juice are always on offer! For a more personal get-together, visits are also welcome to take place in your loved one’s private room.*

Our cinema room is another a great way to keep the children entertained and involve the whole family in a joint activity.

We also host a number of events throughout the year that children and their families can take part in and join in the fun with the residents.

At Evermore, we’ve seen how visits from grandchildren really lifts the mood of our residents and causes our resident’s faces to light up. They love chatting and interacting with the children, and our team members often note that it seems to have a great effect, especially amongst those with dementia.

Look out for our Events

Our next event is a special Jubilee celebration on June 3^rd. Why not bring the children to get involved with a range of activities we’ll be hosting throughout the day.

Look out for updates over on our Facebook page.

 

*Please note that visitors to private rooms are limited to 2 people whilst the Covid-19 pandemic is ongoing.

Getting Involved with Life at the Home

At Evermore, we understand the importance of creating a varied and cheerful lifestyle for our care home residents. That’s why we have dedicated lifestyle coordinators to ensure that your loved one’s individual interests are met.

Why are activities important?

There are many reasons why regular activities are important to a resident’s wellbeing – the most apparent being to provide structure and avoid boredom, which can in turn lead to feelings of depression. On similar lines, activities which encourage socialising with other residents can help to prevent loneliness. Physical health can also be aided with activities such as dancing, gardening, or games.

For those who require dementia care, regular activity is even more crucial as some dementia patients may withdraw from socialising, often due to low self-esteem. Studies also suggest that some activities — such as puzzles or storytelling — may help to reduce a decline in cognitive function.

What activities do we offer?

Our dedicated team of lifestyle co-ordinators ensure there’s never a dull moment in our homes. At Ashton Manor – our care home in Lancaster – residents can attend regular activities including bingo (with prizes!), quizzes, and board games. In addition to the regular schedule, our residents have also been enjoying armchair exercise classes, sing-alongs, and craft sessions including “Knit and Natter”.

One resident’s daughter commented, “I can’t believe the change in mum. She looks so well and is taking part in so many different activities, some that she hasn’t done in years.”

To ensure everyone’s passions are met, your loved one can request activities using suggestion boxes within the home. There are also regular meetings where residents can review recent sessions and suggest improvements.

How we tailor to your loved one’s individuality

Although we make sure that activities are based on resident requests and feedback, your loved one may wish to explore an interest outside of the group. In these cases, residents are given one-to-one sessions to develop their passions with a member of the lifestyle team.

We also offer reminiscence work for residents with dementia. In these sessions, a team member will help a resident go through old photographs or recall information – such as memories from an old job – with the aim to improve mental wellbeing.

As noted by a member of the lifestyle team, “it’s all about getting to know residents and what they like and working with that.”

Get in touch

If you’re considering moving your loved one into care, why not book a visit to one of our homes?

You can also see more of what our residents are getting up to over on our Facebook page.

Do you want to know more about how to finance care?

If you’re considering residential, dementia or respite care for yourself or your loved one, you may be worried about the financial costs and arrangements. The funding process can be confusing, but thankfully there are plenty of resources out there to help you. Here are some useful links we’ve picked out to help you find out more about paying for care. 

Age UK – Financial assessment and contributions 

The Age UK website addresses the core financial worries many people have when they’re considering moving their loved one into care. 

This article explains the financial assessment – a process which works out how much you contribute to the cost of care. A handy table helps to break down the fees in relation to your loved one’s assets.  

Age UK also addresses the worries you might have about the possibility of your loved one having to sell their home. 

Carehome.co.uk – NHS funding 

If you or your loved one have certain health needs – such as living with dementia – you may be able to get your care paid for in full through a package of care known as NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC). This page details the eligibility requirements and walks you through the process for assessment. 

NHS – Paying for respite care 

Respite care is the term for a temporary stay at a care home for situations where the family expects to be away for a short while, for example going on holiday.  

Respite care can also be helpful for those who feel they need a break from caring for their loved one. It’s important to remember that taking breaks is crucial when it comes to caring for the person you love. 

The NHS website offers great resources on how to pay for respite care. 

If you’d like to understand more about respite care, take a look at our Q & A with Evermore’s Commissioning Director Gaye Clark.  

Talk to us 

If you have any questions about funding care or need further support, please get in touch with the team at Ashton Manor, our care home in Lancaster, and we’d be happy to help talk though the different options with you. 

When is it the right time to consider residential care? 

Many of us will come to a point in our lives where we decide that we – or a loved one – could benefit from additional support and care, when living independently at home becomes too difficult. The trigger could be something physical such as a fall or sudden illness, or the need may emerge more gradually through increasing isolation and loneliness, which can lead to depression and other mental and physical health problems. Either way, considering residential care for yourself or a loved one can feel quite overwhelming – from choosing the right time to consider a care home, to making the decision together or on somebody else’s behalf, and knowing what kind of care will suit your individual needs.  

What does residential care mean? 

Residential care is suitable for people who are finding daily life at home difficult but don’t require nursing care, and provides the chance to be looked after and lead a fulfilling life.  

Residential care offers residents access to 24-hour care that helps them cope with day-to-day life, promoting both physical and mental wellbeing. This can include help with washing, getting dressed, eating meals, mobility, taking medication and getting ready for bed, for example, as well as supporting with social interaction and taking part in activities.  

When to consider residential care? 

Moving into care is life-changing for both the person moving into care and their loved ones, so the decision can be a difficult one to make, particularly if you’re making it on behalf of someone else. There are a number of reasons people start to think about residential care, including: 

• Finding daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, washing or dressing a struggle, or feeling increasingly unable to cope at home. 
• Not having a support network to rely on, feeling isolated, or friends and family no longer able to cope or provide the level of care needed.  
• Finding it difficult to manage the daily running of a home or having concerns for safety at home. 
• Residential care has been recommended as a result of a care needs assessment or appointment with a healthcare provider. 

If you’re making a decision on behalf of a relative, you may feel complex emotions, including sadness and guilt. Here you can read our advice about why you shouldn’t feel guilty for moving your loved one into care.   

Residential at Ashton Manor  

At Ashton Manor, our Evermore Care home in Lancaster, care assistants are on hand to assist with every level of a person’s care. Our individually tailored care packages are regularly reviewed so they are flexible and responsive to changing care needs over time. 

Each resident has their own beautifully decorated bedroom with en suite wet room and can enjoy luxurious communal areas that include lounges, dining rooms, landscaped gardens, a cinema room and hair salon. All with expert 24-hour care support on hand.  

At Ashton Manor, we encourage continued involvement of family and friends; our relationships with loved ones can often improve as we spend quality time together without the stress and pressures of full-time care. 

How to take the next step 

If you think residential care might be the next step for you or your loved one, we’d be delighted to show you round our state-of-the-art care home with your own personal tour. Our team will be on hand to answer any questions about our care and the home. Just give us a call on 01524 566 007, drop us an email at enquiries@evermorecare.com or fill in the enquiry form on our website.