Who cares for the carer? Temporary respite breaks for the elderly at the DomusVi residence in Murcia

DomusVi Ciudad de Murcia offers a rest for carers and a home from home for those in need of care

This is the time of year when for many of us our thoughts begin to turn to holidays, the Easter break whetting our appetite for a well-deserved summer break!

If you live in Murcia, maybe you’re thinking of a trip somewhere cooler during July or August, or perhaps you fancy chilling out in a different beach atmosphere, either in Spain or further afield?

But maybe you feel as though you can’t. Too many things to look after at home, the cat needs feeding, you need to get new fly screens installed, the hedge ought to be trimmed… or perhaps you have too much on your plate looking after an elderly or infirm relative. This, unfortunately, is one of the responsibilities and obligations which it is hard to leave behind even for just a few days, making it almost impossible to disconnect from the day-to-day routine and obligations of everyday life.

Carers become so engrossed with making sure that the care-receiver is looked after that even though they might not be working the 9-to-5 routine, they know that there are still people who depend on them for a large part of the day – and maybe even more when we don’t have to go out to work!

But of course, carers also need to take care of themselves, and even though you might find it difficult to admit, you sometimes need a break! You might think that’s not possible, but there are perfectly practicable solutions!

One of these is the temporary residence opportunities offered by the DomusVi centre on the outskirts of the city of Murcia, where new residents are always welcome, be it for a weekend, a week, a fortnight or a month or two! The residence insists on adapting to the needs of each family as they arise, and guarantees outstanding facilities and all-round care for as long as your circumstances make it necessary.

Over thirty years of experience in the field mean that the DomusVi centres all over Spain have developed a comprehensive and complete care service, taking in everything from rehabilitation residence after illness or injury to permanent care, based on the person-centred approach which is central to the service at the new residence in Murcia (and all over Spain). Individualized care plans are designed for each resident based on their preferences and needs, from dietary requirements and tastes to the kind of activities which they take part in.

These activities may involve physiotherapy, physical exercise, arts and crafts, cooking, music or even learning courses in conjunction with reputable universities, and the input of the resident’s family and friends is always an invaluable help in deciding on these care plans.

And of course, knowing that the care receiver is comfortable and at home in their new surroundings, the carers can take time to look after themselves, giving them a much-needed physical and emotional break!

“Oh, but he/she will miss home”, is the automatic response of many carers. PROBABLY NOT! In a lot of ways the benefits of a stay at DomusVi Ciudad de Murcia far outweigh any pangs of homesickness, and in many cases those only here for a short time end up wishing it could be longer!

This is because DomusVi Ciudad de Murcia does everything possible to provide a “home” in the usual sense of the word, rather than mere accommodation. This is not somewhere to “park” a relative while you take a breather, this is a place where residents live as full and active a life as they are able!

Activities involve modern technology – which for many represents a stimulating learning process in itself! - and a whole host of social events, many of which involve visits from nearby primary schools, when youngsters chat to the residents. Mealtimes are also a social occasion, and the menu is adapted to the preferences of each resident (as well as dietary requirements).

At the same time, of course, services such as hairdressing and podiatry are included, taking another weight off your shoulders!

The respite break packages at DomusVi are designed equally for the resident and for the usual carer, guaranteeing that the resident’s physical health and emotional wellbeing are fully looked-after. It is understood that the decision to place a relative in care, even if it is only temporarily, is a difficult one, but after the in-depth chat to prepare and explain the individualized care plan you’ll soon feel comfortable with it and know you made the right choice.

The care given is personalized in all senses and the atmosphere is like a big family - the only problem is likely to be that the temporary resident doesn’t really want to leave when it’s time for them to go back to their previous home!