Caring for a loved one can be extremely rewarding but there may come a time where you need the chance to rest, recharge or do things that aren’t possible alongside your caring responsibilities. Respite care enables you to take a break while the person you care for is looked after by a qualified professional.
We spoke to two families and their Care Managers about their experience of arranging Bright Care respite care. The clients shared the importance of knowing their loved one was well cared for and in safe hands while the Care Managers explained the logistics of setting up successful respite care.
Firstly, we spoke to Ann, who arranges respite care for her husband Robert, and their Care Manager Nicki:
Ann
- Can you tell us a bit about your circumstances and why you decided to look for respite care?
Robert had a severe stroke in 2017 at the age of 57 which has left him unable to walk and with communication difficulties. After caring for him by myself for a number of years, and also providing care for my 95-year-old mother, I was finding it hard to find the right balance, rarely seeing my three sons or having any time for friends or holidays.
- How did you find setting up respite care with Bright Care?
The first thing that struck me about Bright Care was their positivity! So many companies I had spoken to had a long list of what they wouldn’t do. In contrast, Bright Care took a lot of time to understand Robert’s needs and interests, and to find carers who matched Robert’s personality.
- What sort of things does our Carer Caterina help with?
Caterina is so much fun to be around. Even on a cold grey Scottish morning she radiates Sardinian sun and happiness. She helps get Robert ready in the morning; washing, shaving and dressing. She checks for skin integrity and helps with medication. He loves clothes and she is an expert at getting him looking smart and well turned out and in a good mood to start the day. Caterina cooks the most amazing food, her pasta dishes are fabulous and her home made tiramisu disappears in record time. Most importantly Caterina engages with Robert and helps him with his speech and conversation. He trusts her and is confident when he knows she is coming to take over from me.
- What impact has having respite care had on you/ the wider family?
Immeasurable. I finally got to visit my brother in Australia and I can now schedule time with the kids and my friends.
- Would you recommend Bright Care to others looking for in-home care?
I already have; a very dear family friend is moving to the area and has your number!
Nicki
- What lead time do you need to set up respite care?
Time scale really depends on the clients needs and the carers we have available to cover the visits. We have in the past turned a respite package around in as little as 48 hours, the more notice given the better but a short lead time is not impossible.
- What information do you need to set up a successful respite care package?
At the time of the initial meeting, I would have taken as much information as I could obtain using the care planning documents. I also would be carrying out the mandatory risk assessments. Anything that would assist the carers, As much information as possible, things down to if they have a special cup/ saucer they use. Every detail is beneficial to clients, families, carers and office staff. We all work as one team to give the client the best possible outcome, and to help maintain their independence as much as we possibly can.
- How do you ensure a good relationship with the client when it is a short term care arrangement?
I won an award for Championing People back in 2023, I got the award for being good at being able to adapt to many clients and families needs and wishes, also by being able to build good relationships with them, and focus on working as one team. I try my best to give the clients/families the reassurance that we at Bright Care are here to give the best possible care to their loved ones (in our Managing Director Tim’s words “the white glove treatment”). I put my whole heart into any client’s care packages. I give out what I would expect for my own family members.
I don’t treat these respite packages any differently to long term packages every client is treated in the same way.
- How are you able to support Ann and Robert?
I support Robert and Ann by implementing respite care for Robert on an ad-hoc basis. Ann sends me dates and I allocate them a regular carer who has been visiting since more or less the beginning of when they started with us. (I use the term “they” as this heavily involves Ann although the care is purely for Robert.) Ann can have her time away with the peace of mind that Robert is being well cared for in her absence.
- How has your relationship with Ann and Robert developed?
We have a great relationship, both Ann and Robert are lovely, they understand if we cannot accommodate exact dates and we will work together to get the best outcomes for Robert. Both Robert and Ann have a fantastic rapport with Robert’s regular carer, they chat a lot, carer is an amazing cook, Robert enjoys the foods she makes for him. I drop a little email here and there just as a little check in, I think that it is really important to keep a good relationship going even when our services aren’t being used.
We also spoke to Lindsey who arranges respite care for her mother Mary and their Care Manager Sarah-Jane:
Lindsey
- Can you tell us a bit about your circumstances and why you decided to look for respite care?
My Mother is now 95 and whilst she lives independently and has some support from NHS health and social care, is requiring more support to carry out basic tasks. I needed to go abroad to visit unwell relatives and needed someone to come in to check on Mum’s wellbeing in the evening.
- How did you find setting up respite care with Bright Care?
The experience was very good. We had a visit from the Care Manager who spent time talking to mum to find out what her likes and interests were so that she could match a suitable carer who would ‘fit with Mum’. I just needed ‘ad hoc’ care when I was away for a few weeks here and there, and Bright Care was very open to arranging this.
- What sort of things do the Carers help with?
They are all lovely and will go the extra mile to make Mum feel comfortable with new people in her own home. For us, as well as having a chat, they will prepare food and check that she has eaten (her appetite is poor), they will ensure the cat is fed, there is food in the fridge etc. They also do some light household chores. They will also help with personal care. On leaving they will take the bin out and ensure that the blinds are drawn and that everything is OK.
- What impact has having respite care had on you/ the wider family?
It’s been a huge relief to my sister (who lives abroad) and I as it means that I can leave my mum without having to worry. I envisage using the service more to provide respite care for me.
- Would you recommend Bright Care to others looking for in-home care?
Yes, I would and I have frequently recommended Bright Care to others in a similar situation.
Sarah-Jane
- What lead time do you need to set up respite care?
Bright Care visited Mary and Lindsey on the 24th October 2024 and were able to set up the respite care to begin on the 30th of October 2024!
- What information do you need to set up a successful respite care package?
We spend a lot of time getting to know all our clients and their families. Discussing any concerns, likes, dislikes and their routine is hugely important. We add as much information as possible to the care plan so we can carefully match clients and carers and provide the best possible care.
- How do you ensure a good relationship with the client when it is a short term care arrangement?
Ensuring a good relationship is key to a good care arrangement. We make sure the client always feels happy and safe in their own home, following the routine they like. We leave good clear notes on the Birdie App so family members can read the updates and feel assured that their loved one has been well looked after. The family knows that there is always someone available on the end of the phone if they need anything else.
- How were you able to support Mary?
Bright Care was able to support Mary with her night time routine. Lindsey had given a detailed description of Mary’s routine when setting up the package. This was a great help to the carers on their visits as they were able to work to an established routine. This provided reassurance to Mary and she quickly felt at ease with the arrangement.
- How has your relationship with Mary and Lindsey developed?
Although Mary is an ad-hoc client and we do not see her that often, Lindsey has been in touch a few times for advice. Most recently, when Mary spent some time in hospital in May, we discussed the option of live-in or overnight care. In the end, she didn’t require extra care but it is good to know that we have developed a trusted relationship and that she values our expertise. We have cared for Mary a few times since 2024 and have more visits planned for the Autumn.
Nicki, Care Manager, Bright Care Edinburgh
Sarah-Jane, Care Manager, Bright Care Glasgow
Arranging Bright Care respite care has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of families looking for in-home care support. For many, the benefits extend far beyond the day to day practicalities, enabling loved ones to travel overseas to visit family, catch up regularly with friends and children and take much needed time to rest and reset, all with the peace of mind that their relative is safe, happy and well-cared for.
Our Care Managers take the time to really get to know the client and their family. Their thoughtful, personalised approach provides trusted support when it is needed most and has become a lifeline for families navigating caring responsibilities.
Why choose Bright Care
Bright Care can provide in-home care and companionship for elderly loved ones. We focus on building meaningful relationships with our clients and are there to offer practical home help services and emotional support. Our tailored in-home care services provide peace of mind for families who cannot always be there to care for their loved ones.
We are recruiting exceptional Care Assistants in the South East of England and Scotland. If you are interested in a rewarding career in care, please apply now.
