Respite care after a fall: what to expect (and what to pack)

It starts with a phone call you never want to receive. A slip in the bathroom, a stumble in the hallway—suddenly, life changes in an instant. Falls are often a turning point for seniors, marking a transition from full independence to a need for temporary support.

While the immediate aftermath is often chaotic, filled with hospital visits and medical assessments, the question of "what comes next?" quickly follows.

For many families, the answer is respite care. Burwood Care offers comprehensive respite services to support individuals and families through recovery and transition. This short-term residential support provides a safe bridge between hospital and home, allowing your loved one to recover their strength.

For many families, the answer is respite care. This short-term residential support provides a safe bridge between hospital and home, allowing your loved one to recover their strength while giving you the peace of mind that they are in professional hands.

However, the transition can feel overwhelming if you don't know the ropes. From navigating the paperwork to packing the right bag, preparation is the key to a smooth recovery.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about respite care following a fall, ensuring you and your loved one feel prepared, supported, and ready for the road to recovery.

Immediate steps to take after a fall

Before even considering respite care, the immediate priority is safety and assessment. If you are present when a fall occurs, or arrive shortly after, it is crucial to remain calm. Your reaction sets the emotional tone; if you panic, your loved one is likely to panic as well.

Assess the situation

Don't rush to help them up immediately. Encourage them to stay still for a moment to check for pain. Look for signs of obvious injury, such as misaligned limbs, swelling, or bleeding. If they complain of severe pain in the hips or back, or if they hit their head, do not move them—call for an ambulance immediately.

Seek medical advice

Even if the fall seems minor and they insist they are "fine," adrenaline can mask serious injuries like hairline fractures or concussions. It is always safer to seek medical advice. This might mean a trip to A&E or a visit to the GP, depending on the severity. A medical professional can also review medications to see if side effects like dizziness contributed to the fall.

Restore confidence

The physical injury is often easier to heal than the psychological one. A "fear of falling" can set in quickly, causing seniors to limit their movement, which ironically leads to muscle weakness and a higher risk of future falls. Reassure them that this is a setback, not the end of their independence.

Understanding respite care

Respite care is temporary institutional care of a dependent elderly, ill, or handicapped person, providing relief for their usual caregivers. In the context of a fall, it is often referred to as "convalescent care." It provides a safe environment where trained staff are available 24/7 to assist with mobility, medication, and daily living tasks.

There are generally two types of respite care relevant here:

Residential Respite: A short stay in a care home. This is ideal if the home environment isn't safe yet (e.g., stairs are an issue) or if the primary caregiver needs a break.
Nursing Respite: Similar to residential, but with higher-level medical support for those with complex needs or surgical wounds.

The main benefit is safety. Knowing your relative has helped getting to the bathroom at night or managing pain medication allows the family to rest and prepare the home for their eventual return.

Pre-respite paperwork and information

To ensure the care team can look after your loved one effectively, you will need to provide a comprehensive snapshot of their health and needs. It is best to prepare this information before admission day to reduce stress.

Medical History: A summary of current conditions (e.g., diabetes, arthritis, dementia) and a list of all current medications, including dosages and timings.
Emergency Contacts: Clear details of who to call in an emergency, including primary and secondary contacts.
Legal Documents: If you have Power of Attorney (Health and Welfare or Property and Financial Affairs), bring certified copies.
Care Plan: If they were already receiving care at home, a copy of that care plan is helpful.

What to pack: Essential items

Packing for respite care is different from packing for a holiday. The goal is comfort, safety, and familiarity. Label everything clearly with your relative's name to prevent items from getting lost in the laundry.

Clothing

Focus on ease of dressing. If shoulder movement is restricted, button-up shirts are better than t-shirts.

Daywear: 3-5 changes of comfortable, loose-fitting clothes (tracksuit bottoms or elasticated trousers are excellent).
Sleepwear: 3-4 sets of pyjamas and a dressing gown.
Footwear: This is critical. Pack sturdy, non-slip slippers and comfortable shoes that support the ankles. Avoid open-backed slippers which can be a trip hazard.

Personal hygiene

While the facility will provide basics, familiar scents can be comforting.

Toothbrush, toothpaste, and denture care items.
Hairbrush or comb.
Preferred shampoo, body wash, and deodorant.
Shaving kit for men.
Incontinence pads if they use a specific brand not provided by the home.

Mobility aids

Do not assume the facility has spare equipment that fits your relative perfectly.

Walking stick or frame (ensure it is labelled).
Spectacles and reading glasses.
Hearing aids (and spare batteries).

Comfort and entertainment

Respite can sometimes feel lonely or boring between meals and activities.

A favourite blanket or pillow to make the bed feel like home.
Framed photos of family or pets.
Books, magazines, or a tablet (don't forget the charger).
A simple mobile phone with big buttons if they struggle with smartphones.

Understanding physiotherapy and occupational therapy

Recovery in respite often involves rehabilitation professionals. Understanding their roles helps you advocate for your loved one.

Physiotherapists focus on physical function. After a fall, they will work on gait re-education (walking safely), balance exercises, and strengthening the muscles that support the joints. They aim to get the patient mobile enough to return home safely.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) look at the practicalities of daily living. They might assess how your relative gets in and out of bed or uses the bathroom. In a respite setting, an OT might recommend equipment for the home, such as grab rails or a raised toilet seat, to prevent future falls.

Important questions to ask the care team

When you are settling your relative in, take the time to ask specific questions about their daily routine. This ensures everyone is on the same page.

Pain Management: "How will you monitor their pain levels? Is medication given on a schedule or only when requested?"
Hydration and Nutrition: "Dehydration can lead to dizziness. How do you track fluid intake?"
Nighttime Routine: "If they need the toilet in the night, is there a call bell within easy reach? How quickly is it answered?"
Mobility: "Are they allowed to walk alone, or do they need the assistance of one or two staff members?"

Preparing for a successful transition

The move into respite, even if temporary, can be unsettling. The best way to manage this is through open communication. Involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. Explain that this is a "stepping stone" to getting strong again, not a permanent move to a care home.

Visit often, but also give them space to settle in and join the home's activities. Socialising with others can be a great mood booster and a distraction from pain.

Moving forward with confidence

Preparing for respite care after a fall involves more than just packing a suitcase; it requires emotional preparation and practical organisation. By ensuring all medical details are in order, packing the right items for comfort and safety, and engaging with the therapy teams, you are giving your loved one the best possible chance of a strong recovery.

Respite care is a valuable tool in the post-fall journey. It offers a breathing space for families to regroup and for seniors to rebuild their strength. With the right preparation, this temporary stay can be the solid foundation needed for a safe and confident return to independent living.