A planned break with familiar support at home
Solas offers short-term respite in the person’s home, allowing a family member or regular carer to take time away while essential routines continue. The arrangement is prepared in advance and based on assessed needs.
What in-home respite means
Respite is temporary support, not a permanent transfer of care. It may cover part of a day, an evening or an agreed overnight period, depending on suitability and availability.
The person remains in familiar surroundings while the carer has time for rest, appointments, work or other responsibilities.
A respite plan may cover
- Personal and household routines
- Meal preparation
- Medication prompts already included in the plan
- Companionship and meaningful activities
- Communication needs and preferred approaches
- Mobility or equipment information
- Emergency contacts and escalation instructions
- Community activities where specifically agreed
Only listed duties are included. New or significantly different needs must be discussed before the booking.
Preparing for the first respite visit
Useful information includes the person’s typical routine, likes and dislikes, communication style, important safety details, access to the home and what helps them feel comfortable.
Where a family member usually performs complex or clinical tasks, Solas must determine whether those duties can be undertaken by available personnel. Some responsibilities may need to remain with a qualified healthcare professional.
Continuity for the person
A successful break should not make the individual feel excluded from the process. We explain the arrangement in an appropriate way, preserve familiar activities where possible and respect changes of preference during the visit.
Benefits for families and carers
Planned respite can help carers attend to their own health, spend time with other family members or simply recover energy. It can also introduce another dependable person into the support network without changing the individual’s main home environment.