Having recently spoken to a friend who cares for her sister, the topic of respite care came up. She wanted to know more about it and if she was eligible for it. It’s not often a topic you hear about most of the time and I wondered if others had similar questions. Having given it a quick google myself, it was clear that all the information needed was spread out over a number of websites and could become a confusing task to take on.
This is why this week, we are going to focus on respite care:
- What it is
- Who is eligible for it
- The options available to you
What is Respite Care?
In a nutshell, respite care is where someone else takes care of the person you care for. This is so that you can catch your breath, have a break and be able to disconnect for a bit. It doesn’t matter if it’s simply to go to the shops, take time to clean the home or to go on holiday. It’s important to remember that Carers need caring for too.
Here in Ireland, there is the ‘respite care grant‘ or ‘carer support grant‘. This is an annual payment made to carers by the department of social protection at the beginning of June each year. This is a payment that is automatically paid to Carers who may be receiving:
- Carers Allowance
- Carers Benefits
- Domiciliary Care Allowance
- Prescribed Relatives Allowance
Currently, the respite care grant is €1,850
Who is Eligible For Respite Care Grant?
In order to be eligible for the grant you must be:
- Aged 16 or over
- Living in Ireland
- Caring for someone on a full-time basis
- Caring for the person for at least 6 months – this period must include the first Thursday in June
- Living with the person being cared for (or if you do not live with them, they must be able to contact you quickly and directly, for example by phone or alarm).
Within that 6 month caring period, you cannot:
- Work more than 18.5 hours per week as an employee or be self-employed
- Take part in an education or training course for more than 18.5 hours a week
- Get jobseekers allowance or benefit
- Sign on for credited contributions
- Live in a hospital, convalescent home or similar institution
What Options Are Available?
Thankfully, here in Ireland you can access respite care both in the home and in nursing homes. Your primary care team or public health nurse can help you to find the best respite solution that suits you and your needs.
What To Make Life Easier At Home?
Assistive technology is here to stay and here to make life safer and easier at home. With our Uccello Kettle there is no more worrying about the heavy lifting of a hot kettle. With it’s unique tilt-to-pour action you can pour with just 1 finger safely and steadily.
Alongside is our kettle is the Uccello Grip Mat which acts as the perfect cup guide when pouring from the Uccello Kettle. It also helps to keep items secure and in place with its non-slip material. Lastly, it makes opening stubborn jars a breeze.
Last but by no means least is our Muggi Cup Holder. You can carry your cuppa, phone, water and sweet treats in one go safely. Thanks to the cup wells of the Muggi you don’t need to worry about spills as the cup well will catch any drips.
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