In his own words: David tells how his experience of a short stay break for his partner helped both to have a much needed break
"When my partners' usual carers went on holiday, I needed to try and find alternative care for my partner John.
Due to his progressive care requirements, John [who is 80] needs full time, round the clock care and at almost 80 years old myself this was not possible to manage alone. After speaking with our GP he suggested I contact Emberbrook care home to enquire about respite care."
Respite Customer: John, 80 years' old
Partner: David, 78 years old
Home: Emberbrook in Thames Ditton
Length of stay: 2 weeks
Reason for respite care: The carers who usually provide care for David planned a holiday
"Before going along to the home I was a little dubious as I had been in and out of care facilities throughout my working life as an Anglican Priest, and knew that not every care facility is of the standard it should be. I need not have worried. From the second we went into the home we were greeted warmly and made to feel welcome by everyone and it was very obviously a happy place to live and work. I was very impressed by the way the staff treated the residents and each other. They spoke with respect and warmth, nothing was too much trouble."
"John stayed at the home for two weeks and it gave me the chance to visit family and friends and also gave me the opportunity to visit the theatre and do other recreational activities that I hadn’t been able to pursue for a long time. It made a huge difference to my wellbeing and gave John and I the break we really needed. We are often invited back to the home to join them in activities and recently had a lovely time at their summer garden party, where once again I was impressed by the amount of effort and care that had gone into organising the event. I wouldn’t hesitate in using respite care again in the future should the need arise."
