What do I need to do to prepare for a respite short stay?

This response assumes you are either privately paying for this service or have been assessed and are eligible for a subsidy. You are readying for a respite short stay in a care home. 

1. The first thing to do, is to determine how you will pay for the service.

• If you are paying privately discuss the payment process with the provider and ensure you have a written agreement specifying what is involved in the service and what is not.
• If you have a subsidy allocation, make sure you know what it entitles you to, the amount that has been allocated and the period of time it will cover. Ask if there is a ‘top up’ fee is and what it is.

2. Choose the care home most suited to your needs.

• You may not have the opportunity to choose; the need might be urgent or there might be little choice in your region etc.
• Ideally, however, look for a service that will meet your current needs and will be a good support partner into the future as you continue the care journey.
• Identify the criteria that are important for the carer and the care home guest. Try to meet as many of these that are realistic in the circumstances.
• If urgency is not an issue check out several potential care homes.
• Make sure the care home provides the level of care needed and that it offers services that are appealing to the respite guest. It's important to enjoy time there. 
• The environment should be enabling. The provider should encourage their guest to continue to do as much for themselves as possible (and even extend their capabilities where possible or reasonable) so they return home well-conditioned and satisfied with their stay.

3. Plan ahead (if possible) and know what to take.

• Know where you are going for respite. Book ahead if you can.
• Get a list from the care home of items to bring with you e.g.,
  • • clothing,
    • toiletries,
    • medication,
    • specialised equipment/products (if you need them and the care home does not have them e.g., nutritional supplements such as Fortisip that may require a prescription),
    • mobility aids (walker, wheelchair, etc.)
    • comfort items (books, music, sensory items, favourite pillow),
    • medical documentation (care plans, full GP contact details, allergy info)
    • cultural, dietary, or language preferences,
    • glasses and/or hearing aids,
    • Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) contact details, and emergency contacts if different to EPOA.
• It is often a good idea to alert your GP when respite care is being taken.
• Let the care home know as soon as possible if you can not keep your booking. (You will not be able to use respite if you are unwell.) Check if there is a cancellation fee in this case.
• Make sure that everyone understands this is a short stay not a long-term arrangement.

4. Relax and enjoy your break as a carer and as a guest at the care home.

5. Be prepared to review the experience honestly.

• What went well?
• What could be improved next time?
• Give feedback to the provider, especially if it is requested.
• Remember a supported carer is a long-term carer.