Discover the benefits of respite care at La Gratitude Newcastle.

Respite Care

Giving You and Your Caregiver a Break.

Welcome to our latest blog post on Respite Care at La Gratitude Newcastle. As a registered multiracial establishment that provides elder care for all races and people from all walks of life, we are dedicated to serving the needs of all of our residents. Our priority is to uphold the rights of our residents at all times while providing a safe and secure environment so that they can live their senior life gracefully.

At La Gratitude Professional Frail Care Facility, we understand that caring for an older person can be a challenging and demanding task. That’s why we offer Respite Care, a service designed to provide planned short-term and time-limited breaks for family members and caregivers. With Respite Care, you can rest easy knowing that your loved one is receiving the best possible care while you take a much-needed break. For more information about the exceptional care provided by our 110-strong team, check out our previous blog post, “110 Strong: The La Gratitude Team’s Exceptional Positive Impact on the Lives of Frail Older Adults“. Click here for more information on our Specialized Medical Care options.

What is Respite?

  1. Respite is a type of temporary care provided for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
  2. It is designed to give primary caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
  3. Respite can be provided in a variety of settings, including in-home, at a respite centre, or in a long-term care facility.
  4. It can be provided for a few hours or for several days or weeks.
  5. Respite can include assistance with activities of daily living, medical care, and therapeutic services.
  6. It can be used as a way to provide temporary relief for caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
  7. Respite can also be used to provide temporary care for individuals who are recovering from an illness or injury.
  8. It can be a valuable resource for families who are struggling to manage the care of a loved one with a chronic illness or disability.
  9. Respite can be paid for by private funds, Medicaid, or other government programs.
  10. Respite is an essential service that can help to improve the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients.

10 Respite care in South Africa FAQs

1. What is respite care?

Respite care is a type of short-term care provided to individuals who require assistance with daily activities, but do not require full-time care. It is often used as a way to give family members and caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities.

2. Who is eligible for respite care in South Africa?

Respite care is available to individuals of all ages and abilities who require assistance with daily activities. It is often used by older adults who are living with chronic illness or disability but can also be used by individuals recovering from an illness or injury.

3. How long can I receive respite care?

The length of time that respite care is provided can vary depending on the individual’s needs. It can be provided for a few days or weeks, or on an ongoing basis.

4. What types of services are provided in respite care?

Respite care can include a wide range of services, including personal care, such as bathing and dressing, and assistance with daily activities, such as meal preparation and medication management. It can also include social activities and therapy.

5. Is respite care covered by medical insurance?

It depends on the individual’s medical insurance coverage. Many medical insurance policies will cover some or all of the costs associated with respite care. It is important to check with the insurance provider to determine what is covered.

6. How do I find respite care providers in South Africa?

There are a variety of ways to find respite care providers in South Africa. These include searching online, contacting local senior care organizations, and asking for recommendations from healthcare professionals.

7. What should I look for in a respite care provider?

When selecting a respite care provider, it is important to consider the individual’s needs and preferences, as well as the quality of care provided by the provider. It is also important to consider the location of the provider, as well as the cost of services.

8. What is the cost of respite care in South Africa?

The cost of respite care in South Africa can vary depending on the type of services provided and the location of the provider. It is important to check with multiple providers to get a sense of the costs involved.

9. Is respite care only for family members?

Respite care is not only for family members, it can be used by anyone who is caring for an individual who requires assistance with daily activities. It can be used by friends, neighbours, or professional caregivers.

10. Can respite care be used as a permanent solution?

Respite care is typically used as a short-term solution, but it can be used on an ongoing basis if the individual’s needs require it. It is important to discuss the individual’s needs with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.

Respite Care

Giving You and Your Caregiver a Break.

At La Gratitude Professional Frail Care Facility, we understand that caring for an older person can be a challenging and demanding task. That’s why we offer Respite Care, a service designed to provide planned short-term and time-limited breaks for family members and caregivers. With Respite Care, you can rest easy knowing that your loved one is receiving the best possible care while you take a much-needed break.

La Gratitude: The Wiser Frail Care Option

Tough decisions are part of ageing, and sometimes you have the opportunity to make your own decisions, and other times hardships force your hand, and you have no choice. For many older persons, the thought of living under constant care is a major concern. But what do you do if you have no other choice? 

Will you believe me if I tell you that you can live a dignified life that includes all the assistance you require? If you are fortunate enough to be more self-sustainable and active, the Flats and Cottages may be a better fit for you.

A Break for Caregivers

Caring for an elderly or frail loved one can be a demanding and challenging task. It requires a great deal of time, energy and patience, and it can be emotionally and physically draining. As a result, many caregivers experience burnout, stress and fatigue, which can negatively impact their own health and well-being. This is where Respite Care comes in.

Respite Care is a temporary break for caregivers, providing them with a much-needed break from their caregiving responsibilities. This can be a day, a week or a month, depending on the needs of the caregiver and the person being cared for. Respite Care can be provided in a variety of settings, including in-home, in a hospital or in a care facility like La Gratitude.

The Benefits of Respite Care

Respite Care is an essential service that provides many benefits to both caregivers and the person being cared for. It allows caregivers to take a break, rest and recharge, and attend to their own personal and professional responsibilities. It also provides an opportunity to take care of their own physical and emotional well-being, and to avoid burnout and stress.

For the person being cared for, Respite Care provides an opportunity to receive care and support from trained and qualified staff, and to engage in activities and social interactions that promote their physical, emotional and social well-being. 

It also provides an opportunity for caregivers to take a break and return to their caregiving role refreshed and rejuvenated, which can lead to better care for the person being cared for.

Choosing La Gratitude for Respite Care

At La Gratitude, we understand the importance of Respite Care and the benefits it provides to both caregivers and the elderly. Our Frail Care Facility provides a safe, secure and comfortable environment for the elderly, and our staff is fully trained and qualified to provide the highest level of care and support.

We offer a range of care services, including Primary Care, Palliative Care, Respite Care and Rehabilitative Care for Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Our multi-disciplinary team is dedicated to providing ongoing assessment of the health status of our residents and making adjustments to each individual’s care regime and development plan to ensure the best possible care.

If you are a caregiver and in need of a break, or if you have a loved one who requires Respite Care, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a visit. You can connect with one of our coordinators by visiting our website and filling out the form.

Wrapping up: The Importance of Respite Care for Family Caregivers and Older Adults

Respite Care is a vital service for families and caregivers who are caring for older adults. It provides a much-needed break and allows family members to recharge while ensuring that their loved one is receiving the best possible care. 

At La Gratitude, we understand the challenges of caring for an older person and strive to provide the best possible Respite Care services. We hope that the information and resources provided in this chat have been helpful in understanding the benefits and options available for Respite Care in South Africa. 

If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at La Gratitude. We’re here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.

Top South African Resources for Care Information and Support

You can make a difference


With your assistance, the volunteers at La Gratitude will be able to take better care of not only the residents at the old age home but also the greater Newcastle community. La Gratitude is constantly involved in outreach projects to help the elderly in need in and around Newcastle.

Your donations will be greatly beneficial in the provision of food and other basic necessities for the less fortunate elderly people that require assistance.

Donating is easy, click here to donate now.