Respite care is a short-term arrangement which is a great way for new carers to ease into fostering. It is designed to offer the foster child short-term care so the foster parents can have a break. Respite care can be positive for foster parents and foster children alike but it can also prove to be very disruptive due to the change in routine and environment. Respite carers can have placements ranging from a weekend up to a month.
It is always good practice to have rules and routines the child is used to and making any necessary changes for the child to adapt to your household. The child, therefore, knows the expectations of their routines as well as boundaries.
There are many benefits to having respite care, the main benefit being it offers the carer relief and renewal. Foster carers have a highly demanding and stressful responsibility, and no one is equipped to do it without some help. Just like the foster children they care for, foster carers also need support and attention so they can maintain their own health and well-being. Respite care provides caregivers with the opportunity for a temporary rest from their caregiving duties, is designed to do just that.
Everyone is entitled to a holiday regardless of the profession you are in. It rejuvenates you, relieves stress, refreshes and renews your energy and restores a sense of balance in your life.
Respite care can lead to stronger and better relationships all round in the long term.
You can catch up on our previous blog here, which covers why fostering is more than a job.
