Rest and Respite – A Guide to Post-Surgery Care Options

After surgery, you may feel like your hospital stay has been too brief. Beds can be in high demand and it is common practice for people to be sent home before they feel they can safely manage on their own. This is of particular concern to older people who may already be struggling with mobility issues.

If you or a loved one are in the process of recovering from major surgery, respite care in NSW can offer a wonderful temporary option to assist the process of regaining mobility, strength and independence.

However, many people can be confused about their eligibility for respite care, how to access the services, and what types of services are open to them.

There are many types of respite support

Respite care can be given informally by family, neighbours and friends, or it can be provided by formal respite services inside or outside the home.

The type of respite you choose will depend your individual situation and the appropriate level of care you require. Respite care can also provide a break for your current carer to enable them to take some time away to attend to personal matters or take a vacation.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides Government – subsidised access to a variety of support services for elderly patients recuperating from surgery. You might want to  consider the following options:

1. Emergency care

Emergency respite services offer immediate intervention in situations where an elderly person may be returning home after surgery and have no relatives or friends who are able to provide the support required.

If this situation occurs, it is vital that you contact Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 during business hours, or call 1800 059 059 outside business hours.

2. In-home care

The ability to return directly home after surgery will, of course, depend largely on a person’s care network and their level of need. If the individual has the capacity to move around and and get themselves to the bathroom, even with the aid of a walker, then in-home respite care may be a good option.

After surgery, things such as doctor and hospital appointments can be met with the assistance of a community respite support worker. They can transport people to and from these commitments whilst providing assistance with mobility aids.

3. Weekend or overnight care

Having the reassurance of a support person overnight, or over a weekend, can be vital after surgery, particularly in the first couple of weeks. This may also allow the full-time, primary caregiver to take a break.

4. Short stay residential care

When recovering from major surgery, a short stay in an aged care facility may be the ideal solution. Many residential care homes offer hotel-quality services which contribute to making this recuperation period as luxurious and comfortable as possible.

A free assessment service through a local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) can assist in identifying whether residential aged respite care would be the best solution for your situation. If eligible, an assessor can also assist with finding a suitable placement in your preferred location.

Many aged care facilities can also provide physiotherapy to assist with regaining strength, balance and mobility. They can also provide dietary and nutrition guidance along with advice on how to prepare your home for your return; including any mobility and safety equipment you may need.

What are the costs?

Costs will depend on the type of respite chosen. The Australian Government subsidise a range of respite care options and some may be means-tested. When utilising residential respite, there will generally be a basic daily fee, however, in special circumstances, financial hardship assistance can be applied for.

Locating a provider

Contact myagedcare.gov.au to find a service provider in your local area or alternatively in a location close to family or friends. My Aged Care also provides fee calculators and a range of information surrounding other aged care services.