Looking after your elderly parent can be deeply rewarding — but also exhausting. Whether you’re balancing your own career, family, or health needs, arranging respite care can give you the break you need without compromising your parent’s comfort.
At Home Carers, we provide flexible, in-home respite care for families in Christchurch and Tauranga. Here’s how to organise support that gives you peace of mind and keeps them safe, supported, and cared for at home.
Step 1: Recognise When It’s Time for a Break
Respite care isn’t just for holidays. It’s about looking after your own well-being so you can continue providing loving care over the long term.
You might need respite care if:
- You’re feeling physically or emotionally burnt out
- You’ve got a work or travel commitment coming up
- You’re recovering from an illness or injury
- Your parent needs more support than usual after surgery or a hospital stay
- You just need a weekend to rest, reset, or spend time with your own family
📰 Relevant: “Carer Burnout on the Rise in NZ” – Stuff.co.nz
Step 2: Decide on the Type of Care Required
Every family is different. Some people need just a few hours to themselves. Others may need full-day or overnight care.
Ask yourself:
- How long do I need care for — a few hours, a weekend, or longer?
- What support does my parent need — home help, mobility help, meal prep, companionship, or medical recovery?
- Do I need someone with dementia care experience?
Step 3: Choose In-Home vs Facility Care
In-home respite care has become the preferred option for many NZ families, especially in cities like Christchurch and Tauranga, where residential care facilities often have long waitlists or limited flexibility.
Why choose at-home respite care?
- Familiar environment = less stress for your parent
- Flexible scheduling, including same-day or weekend options
- Personalised care with 1:1 attention
- No need to uproot routines or surroundings
💬 “Respite should feel like a reset, not a disruption.”
Step 4: Contact a Trusted Provider
Reach out to a reputable service provider who offers personalised, compassionate care — not just a rostered stranger.
At Home Carers, we match your parent with the right carer based on personality, needs, and availability.
📞 Call us on 0800 227 686
💻 Or send an online enquiry
Step 5: Organise a Quick Assessment (If Needed)
Depending on your situation, we may suggest a quick in-home or phone-based assessment. This allows us to:
- Understand your parent’s care needs
- Gather emergency contacts
- Identify risks or preferences
- Answer any questions you or your parent may have
This step is simple, informal, and always respectful.
Step 6: Book the Care and Take a Breath
Once confirmed, our care coordinator will handle the schedule, introduce the carer, and check in with you regularly.
You can use your time for rest, work, errands, or travel — knowing your parent is in safe hands.
📝 Tip: Leave a few written notes (like medications or favourite routines) to help the carer settle in smoothly.
Bonus: What to Ask Before You Book
Here are some good questions to ask any respite provider:
- Are your carers trained in elderly care or post-op support?
- Can I book care on short notice?
- What happens if my parent needs extra help while I’m away?
- Can I meet the carer in advance?
At Home Carers, our answers are yes, yes, we’ve got it covered, and absolutely.
Conclusion: It’s OK to Take a Break
Being a carer doesn’t mean doing it all alone. A few hours or days of respite can make you a stronger, more present support person for your loved one.
If you’re based in Christchurch or Tauranga and need to step away for a little while, our carers are here to help.
📞 Call us on 0800 227 686
💻 Or send an online enquiry
