Caring for a loved one with dementia is a deeply personal and often exhausting journey. But even the most dedicated caregivers need a break, whether it’s for rest, travel, work, or simply a moment to breathe. That’s where respite care becomes an essential part of your care plan. At Livewell, we understand the emotional weight of stepping away, even temporarily. Many families struggle with feelings of guilt or uncertainty. But here’s the truth: taking a break doesn’t mean you’re letting someone down – it means you’re making a sustainable, loving choice for both of you.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is a short-term care option designed to provide temporary relief for primary caregivers, particularly those looking after loved ones with dementia. Whether it’s for a few hours, a weekend, or several weeks, respite care allows families to take a much-needed break without compromising the quality of care their loved one receives.
For people living with dementia, respite care offers more than just supervision. It provides structured daily routines, cognitive stimulation, and the reassurance of being supported by trained dementia care professionals. This is especially important as dementia progresses and care needs become more complex – sometimes beyond what family members can realistically manage at home.
Whether you’re planning an overseas trip, attending a family celebration, managing work demands, or simply needing time to rest and reset, respite care ensures that your loved one remains safe, engaged, and well-cared for in your absence.
At Livewell, we see respite care as an extension of our commitment to families, offering peace of mind, personalised support, and a nurturing environment that feels like home.
When should you consider Respite Care?
If you’re wondering when the right time is to explore respite care for dementia, here are a few clear signs:
- Caregiver burnout – emotional exhaustion, irritability, and sleep issues are common signals you need a break.
- Progression of dementia – your loved one may need more advanced memory care and structure than you can offer at home.
- Personal commitments – whether it’s international travel, work obligations, or a family milestone, respite care gives you peace of mind while you’re away.
- Desire for balance – you may simply need a moment to recharge and that is more than valid.
Why choose Livewell’s Respite Care for dementia?
Livewell’s Respite Care programme is anything but a drop-off facility for people with dementia. Every individual is thoroughly assessed by our professional staff so that we can develop a programme specifically structured to meet their particular needs and requirements. As part of this process, they are carefully introduced and orientated to the environment and made to feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Afterwards, families and carers are provided with detailed feedback on how their loved one participated and progressed during his or her stay at the facility.
Many people with dementia have considerable difficulties with their short-term memory and can struggle with unfamiliar environments and it is beneficial for them to be provided with structure to their day and week. We, therefore, recommend that they attend the Respite Care programmes with some regularity, even if it is just for one day a month. Some families are in the situation where they are considering full-time care for a loved one but find it difficult to make the transition to what will become a new phase of life for all concerned. Many find that this is a good way of introducing their loved one with dementia to the Livewell environment with the view to gently transition them to full-time live-in care.
Care that feels like home
Getting to know the family members of both our full time residents, as well as those who join us as part of the Respite Care programme, is equally important to us. Livewell aims to be at the side of families every step of the way in their journey. We don’t just care for residents, we walk alongside families on every step of their dementia journey. Whether your loved one joins us for a few days or is preparing for long-term care, our goal is the same: to provide compassionate, expert, and structured respite care for dementia in a safe and engaging environment.
You don’t need to do it all, all the time. Trust our team at Livewell to support your loved one while you rest, travel, or refocus. It’s not only okay – it’s essential. Contact us today to learn more about Livewell’s dementia respite care programme or to book a personalised assessment.