Carers, take a break. You deserve it!

Caring for a family member comes with many rewards. Equally, it can come with some challenges, which have most recently been highlighted throughout this pandemic.

If ever there is a time that unpaid carers deserve a break, it is now.  After months of restrictions and lockdowns, now is the perfect time to take a well-deserved rest for a week or two.

The quality of life of a loved one can significantly depend on the carer’s wellbeing. At McKenzie, we’re family-owned and we understand that family members, who are unpaid carers, may feel like no one else can do what they do; that they put their needs of the person they care for before their own; that they often feel guilty taking a break from their caring role.

However, we also understand it is vitally important for carers to look after themselves too. Which is why, as a carer, you can feel assured that while you take some time for yourself, your loved one will be well cared for by our professional and experienced staff in short-term respite. Know that while at McKenzie, we will care for your loved one as only a family could.

A national survey conducted by The Caring Fairly Coalition provided some worrying results related to the impact COVID-19 has had on unpaid carers.
Sixty per cent of carers surveyed said they lost supports for the person they care for and 47% reported loss of supports for themselves. The time spent undertaking unpaid care had also increased with 44% of carers surveyed.

The health and wellbeing of carers during the pandemic has taken the biggest hit, with 88% saying they have had increased stress levels and 81% said their mental health had deteriorated.

Financial impacts caused by the pandemic is another contributing factor having a negative impact on carers’ wellbeing. Concerns about money due to reduction or loss of income, or reduced work hours has seen 58% of carers spend more money on the person they care for than on themselves. Combine this with increased living costs and it is evident why carers are having sleepless nights.

When you choose a McKenzie home, you choose to keep your loved one safe, healthy, and in a secure environment, where they are cared for and cared about. We will work with you to develop an individualised care plan that incorporates your loved one’s current routine and what they may want from the care they receive. We take the time to get to know who they are and what they enjoy so we can ensure we give them the best experience possible during their stay with us.

Contrary to what some may think, residential aged care is not a ‘final step’ in the ageing journey, it is a time for the elderly to continue doing the things they enjoy while receiving the best in quality care. We know that it’s not just about the care, but companionship as well, which is why we offer a diverse activity program full of variety that keeps the mind engaged and body active.

Just like family, McKenzie Respite Care is there when you need it. Respite can be organised for planned holidays, while recuperating from an illness or hospital stay or for when you just need some time to rest and rejuvenate – and remember, it’s ok for you to take that time.

If you are a carer who needs a break, please give us a call on 1300 899 222 to speak with one of our dedicated team members to discuss how we can support you and your loved one.