Promoting early access

Lack of awareness or confusion about the range of services available inhibits early take-up of services, and in turn contributes to a sense that respite care will only be used as a last resort.

A key to optimal use of respite therefore lies in encouraging carers to use more flexible, community based services early in their journey and as part of the overall care package being put in place.

Early take-up is the starting point for respite care becoming an integral part of the dementia journey and a valued part of the lives of people living with dementia rather than “just a short break”. Early take-up contributes to maintaining the well-being of the person with dementia and the carer as they become accustomed to using respite care and get to know services and staff; the stress that can accompany the use of residential respite for longer periods can be reduced and the overall outcome is that care in the home can be prolonged.^[1]

For more detailed information on respite support services and full contact lists, go to the On going Management and Care pathway and click on Respite support services.