How would you spend a respite day during a live-in care work week?

[Bweave]

This isn't a major dilemma, but I'd love some opinions!

I work as a carer and I'm due to do another week of live-in care in a few weeks. These weeks can really vary. Sometimes I get reasonable breaks, but other times they can be very intense, with long days and not much sleep. I've had live-in stints before where I've ended up completely exhausted and unwell afterwards.

I get one day of respite in the middle of this particular week, and I'm trying to decide how best to use it. I really want to make it a proper chance to switch off and do something that will help me decompress.

One option I'm considering is booking a wash and blow-dry with my hairdresser. I really love going to him and he always gives me such a pick-me-up. His blow-dries also last me about 5–6 days, whereas normally I have to wash my hair every 2–3 days, so it would actually make the rest of my working week a little easier too. I don't drive though, so I'm wondering how much I'd enjoy it if I'm having to battle torrential rain getting there and back.

Another possibility is booking an Indian head massage somewhere, which sounds lovely and relaxing.

Or I could simply stay home, take it easy, watch some TV/knit and perhaps look for a neck massager online.

So what would you choose for a much-needed respite day — hairdresser, head massage, meal out or just staying home and doing absolutely nothing? 😄

Well what do you normally do on your days off? I would stay home and do nothing if it was me. Maybe go out for tea and a scone.

i’m an extrovert - so if i needed to re-energise, i’d probably go want to out, maybe have a bit of pampering and a nice lunch.

OH is an introvert -so would probably re-energise at home. if i were staying at home, id have a nice soak on the bath with some nice products, have a nice lunch (ordering in/ getting nice bits in advance) and spend the afternoon either watching a film or reading a good book.

Whatever you do, enjoy, it sounds like a busy week.

Having done this type of job myself, personally I would say get out of the property asap if you wish to relax properly. I found it hard to relax indoors in case the relief carer called on me - that isn't an option if you're not there imo. I would go for the blow dry myself as I have very unruly hair so if that lasted the rest of the week I think that is good value. I wouldn't want to switch back on after a head massage, as much as I love them! Treat yourself regardless, best of luck and enjoy your time off x

I was working all summer. I did get some time off but it wasnt very great either.

I always had plans to get up and do something. Like go on a day tour and see a new town or village and find a new restaurant. But most of the time I was too tired, exhausted or sick or there was someone trying to pull me into their direction whether it was work or family or aging parents. There was always so one trying to get me to do stuff for them.

When I had weekends off over the past few weeks, I would have vague plans to get up and go and all I ever did was watch Netflix with my knitting and order takeaways and stay in bed most of the time.

I really do feel like I need to plan and prepare. Maybe have some sort of a neck massager with me in work perhaps so I can have that at least.

It's just I will only have a small block of time off that week with work and I think I really want to make it count. I will still have to be on call. I can't even turn off my phone.

Yes that makes a lot of sense and I had many of my breaks overwritten like this with other workers just slacking off. I think you are right. Leave the place once I get a chance.