Respite refers to a short period of rest or relief from caregiving duties, allowing caregivers to recharge and focus on their own well-being. It is important to understand that taking breaks is not just beneficial but necessary for maintaining your physical and mental health. This is part of your self-care. Remember, prioritising your own needs is crucial for providing the best care to your loved one. Below are steps you can take in planning for a break.
Build your care circle
Caregiving doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself. Build your care circle, so you know who you can depend on and for what tasks when you need a break.
Source: Adapted from NCSS
Here is what your care circle may look like:
Source: NCSS WeCareToolkit (page 18)
Discover your personal respite zone
A respite zone is an area set aside just for you to relax while your loved one rests or is taken care of. This space can be anywhere you feel comfortable in such as your bedroom, a spare room, or an office.
Source: AIC ‘Caring for Yourself’ (page 16)
Here are some things to note while creating your respite zone:
- Find a suitable space in your home.
- Use a screen or a curtain for privacy if you cannot close the door.
- Keep in mind what you want to do there, such as read, paint or write.
- Modify the space according to your needs. Keep whatever is necessary for taking a break and doing your respite activity.
- Set aside the time to use it, such as during your loved one’s nap time, or when someone takes over your caregiving duties.
You may consider surfing the internet or doing leisure activities you enjoy like sewing and writing, as long as they allow you to take your mind off your caregiving responsibilities.
You need to feel totally relaxed when in your respite zone. It is important for the people you live with to understand that this space is yours. It is not selfish to set aside space and time for yourself.
Set aside respite time
Respite time gives you a break from your caregiving responsibilities. It may be difficult to think of your own needs when caring for a loved one. However, you need to step aside from caregiving duties at times to avoid burnout and exhaustion.
Here are some care arrangements that you can consider when taking a well-deserved rest:
- Ask a family member or friend to take care of your loved one for an hour or more so that you can take a break.
- If your family don’t have the confidence to care for your loved one, encourage them to attend caregiving courses using the Caregivers Training Grant.
- Explore these respite care services available in the community for your loved one, to give yourself a break during the day for a few hours or on some days of the week or longer.
Note: The above information on Respite Care Services are accurate as of November 2024.
Respite Care Services are short-term, temporary care options that you can tap on when you want to take a break from caregiving, or when you need some extra assistance from time to time, such as when your Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) goes on home leave.
At home
Home-Based Respite Care (HBRC) is a home-based respite care option to support caregivers of patients on home palliative care, who are unable to cope with the care of their loved ones. HBRC helps with activities of daily living and some care tasks, and is available both in the day and night.
Find out more about Home-Based Respite Care.
Household Services Scheme by MOM
Household Services Scheme (HSS) caters to households who periodically need help with domestic services (e.g., for only a few hours a day or week). While HSS services provides basic elder-minding support, it is not suitable for households who require dedicated eldercare services.
You can find out more about the full scope of services and the companies participating in the programme here.
Home Personal Care+ Pilot
Home Personal Care service is provided by trained care professionals to assist seniors and their caregivers with Activities of Daily Living (e.g. baths, light housekeeping), medication, mind stimulating activities, elder-sitting and other care tasks. Find out more about Home Personal Care.
In a centre
This is suitable if respite is required only during the day. While at the centre, seniors take part in various social activities such as simple exercises, and art and craft. Meals are provided, and care staff will look after the seniors’ daily care such as dietary and toileting needs. Seniors can make use of this option on an ad hoc basis, even for a day. Some centres also operate on weekends, providing added flexibility for families.
For information on referral application, find out more on centre services.
In a nursing home
Nursing home respite care is a stay-in service and suitable for seniors who are physically or mentally disabled because of illness, and are dependent on caregivers for daily care needs. This service is suitable for families who are unable to care for seniors at home. This is also for seniors who have daily nursing care needs such as wound dressing, tube feeding, and stoma management. This option is available for a minimum of seven days per stay, and up to 30 days per year. Find out more on nursing home respite care.
