Respite care

What a good idea, This may certainly put some relatives mind at ease, as the guilt is probably partly to do with the negative image there is of residential care homes.

My idea of a luxury respite package would include the more personal touches, eg beauty treatments etc and access to entertainment, possiby trips out etc, and of course a excellant standard of food.

What would make men feel special in respite care?

Yes! A manicure, pedicure and maybe a cut and blow dry would definitely work for women and probably men too. All of these things make you feel better don't they.

I like the idea of the trips out too, obviously this is all dependent on the level of health of the resident but discussion with the family before the respite began could ensure that 'favourite' activities and food were included in the respite stay.

Thanks for your comments.

These sorts of discussions and ideas have been around for a number of years. Its nothing new I'm afraid. I truely believe that this would be a good way forward, but some reasons the care home do not take up this sort of opportunity. It would enhance their profile and success rate by offering 'luxury style respite with additonal facilities' but it just doesnt happen.
I suspect it is too do with staffing levels and money. If the care homes do not get a good return they wont offer it, and if the price is too high then perhaps the take up would be poor due to the expense. I very much doubt that local authourities would pay for these sorts of respites. Certainly not in this current climate.
The only way forward perhaps would be for Personal Budget uptake by service users and families.

Are you contemplating setting this type of luxury respite package up as a service/business? Possibly a specialist hotel that includes care as one of its purchasable services- otherwise I cant see how it consistutes a luxury package? lots of respite units run within care homes offer all these services as part of their 'service' and will be detailed in their service specification.

Respite customers should be offered the same level of service as any other resident in the home unless you are thinking that the price of respite be raised ito include 'bespoke' services being available?.........................

i have previously managed two care homes that offered respite - for both of them we were very careful to promote the service in a positive light, but the level of care provided should reflect and compliment what goes on at the customer home, and whilst it is a break: time to socialise and meet other people it has to be carefully balalnced with not increasing care depedency...........sounds tough i know, but there is a balance to be achieved.

I cant tell you the number of times carers got grief from customers who had been told by families that it was a 'holiday'........................what do we all like to do on holiday?..............relax and do nothing!

Real community care.

In the case where a carer is managing a family members condition at home and deservedly needs a break from time to time.. why take up expensive, specialised places such as hospitals when there are many careing people in the community with a diversity of experience at half the cost.

If a consistant family setting can be accessed whom over time gets to know the person and their needs.. im sure this would be preferable to all concerned and much more person centerd.