Respite Care with Brendoncare

Written by: Jane Blackwell Published: May 16, 2023

Estimates suggest around 10 million people provide unpaid care to a relative or friend. Respite care that Brendoncare’s homes offer could be the answer for a much-needed break.

Otterbourne Hill residents having afternoon tea

Recent Carers UK research in 2022 estimates the number of unpaid carers could be as high as 10.6 million. That is around 9% of the UK population. If you are one of these people caring for an older of vulnerable relative or friend, it’s good to know that help and respite are available if you need it.

Brendoncare’s homes offer a safe, kind and caring community for all those who live with us. Our homes welcome residents for permanent stays or for respite breaks. We are always happy to talk to you about your care needs, either for yourself or for a loved one.

How can respite care help?

Perhaps you need some short term care or support because of a family emergency or other commitments. Perhaps a return to work means less time available for caring responsibilities. Maybe the person you’re caring for needs additional support for a short time to convalesce after a hospital stay or illness. Whatever the reason, a respite break in one of our homes could be the answer. Our approach is simple: a care and support plan devised around individual needs, and a warm welcome to our home, however long you or your loved one are staying with us.

If you are considering respite care for yourself or someone you love, you will naturally have some questions, and we’ve tried to answer some of these below.

While every Brendoncare home is different, the care they provide centres around kindness, dignity and respect that are at the heart of everything we do.

What can I/my loved one expect from a respite stay?

Everyone living in our homes, whether on a short or long term basis, will have a care plan tailored specifically to their needs. They will have their own room, often ensuite, as well as access to all the communal facilities. These include lounges, dining room, gardens and an assisted bathroom. Each home’s facilities vary. All meals, drinks and snacks are included. The catering teams prepare fresh food daily and work hard to accommodate any specific likes, dislikes and dietary needs. The wellbeing teams offer a variety of activities to help everyone get together for plenty of fun, friendship and laughter. Activities range from gentle exercises, to quizzes, enjoying music, entertainers or visiting animals. Everything is of course optional.

You can see more of what life is like in our homes via our various Facebook pages, and you can see what other relatives have said about us on www.carehome.co.uk.

“Mum came for 6 weeks of respite care after a serious operation at age 92. The staff are attentive, kind, thoughtful and expert, and there are daily activities. There was a care plan and medication management was excellent and co-ordinated with the hospital. The room was clean and comfortable, the ethos supportive and encouraging but also flexible. A particular plus was the quality of cooking – important to look forward to enjoying when daily life is constrained. She feared being in a nursing/care home, but after experiencing this will return if possible and with confidence to it when/if she needs it.”

Son of Brendoncare respite resident

Can we come and look round before deciding?

Of course, we’d be delighted to show your round, either virtually on our website or in person at the home you’re considering. Just get in touch with one of our friendly, knowledgeable team. They will be happy to answer any questions and arrange a tour, Just call 01962 852133, or email homes@brendoncare.org.uk.

You can also read our blog on how to choose a care home.