Here’s what you need to know about respite…

Respite is temporary residential care based in the community, which supports people with disabilities and their families. Temporary residential care refers to receiving respite overnight, for days, weekends or weeks. It is important to understand that respite is provided in the assumption that usual care will be resumed at the end of the planned stay.

So what is the role of respite? It mainly provides a pause from the ordinary routine of the caring responsibilities but also an opportunity for the persons with disability to have experiences outside the home.  Respite should be recognised as a preventative measure to burn out for the families and carers. Using respite as a preventative measure will benefit the carers to improve their physical and emotional well-being, therefore providing a better quality of life for the person with disabilities and their families or carers.

Who can receive it? A person who has an intellectual, sensory, physical or like impairment or a combination of disabilities can make use of respite.

Respite is given to persons with disabilities and their carers where there is a possibility that on-going care is at risk without the support of respite. Families who are sole carers or unpaid carers, could benefit from respite. Especially, families of persons with disabilities who have fragile, complex multiple needs or challenging behaviour should consider using these services. Us professionals working in the field, recommend that respite should be encouraged for all persons with disabilities and their families or carers.

What are the benefits of respite?  Respite has positive effects on family functioning, improvement in social support, reduction of stress and increased self-esteem.

Having to care for a person with disability may have an impact on the family functioning. Consequently, respite renders the opportunity for the parent, relative or carer to spend time with other family members and friends or to attend to responsibilities not associated with the care-giving role. These breaks from caring for the person with disability can provide the caregiver with the time and assistance required to meet their own personal needs and attend to other responsibilities in addition. It gives time to take care of errands such as going to appointments, continue employment or pursue interests. It could also be used in cases of caregivers who are experiencing health difficulties and might even require hospitalisation. However, it also important that the idea of respite gives comfort and peace of mind that the person with disability is getting the care and support needed according to individual needs.

It is important to keep in mind that respite services are aimed mainly for the needs of the person with disability, out of which the family also benefits. This provides an opportunity for the person with disabilities to have an enjoyable experience outside the home. Besides giving medical and therapeutic services, it gives the possibility to interact with others, to spend time in a safe supportive environment and to participate in activities according to their needs and abilities. Persons with disability can gain self-confidence, improve communication and have a better quality of life.

What is your concern? Trying something new brings normal feelings of apprehension and concerns about using the service.

People who work in respite services are reliable and well-trained to care for medical, self-care and therapeutic needs. There are a number of non-governmental organisations and private entities in Malta and Gozo that offer such service. Aġenzija Sapport collaborates with such entities, supports the service users, and guides the family as necessary.

This is vital since feelings of guilt may also emerge because most families or carers believe that they should be able to “do it all”. Some families become reluctant to use respite as they consider it their responsibility to care for the person with disability and unwilling to involve others to care for the person. The feelings of guilt may dissipate as the family or carer recognise the benefits of respite. 

It is important to remember that seeking help does not make the family or the carer a failure but it should be seen as benefiting both.

Aġenzija Sapport – t: 2256 8000

www.sapport.gov.mt

Facebook/sapport.malta

Estela Rama is a Support Executive at Aġenzija Sapport