Respite Care FAQs
Whether you need a break or want to visit us after time in hospital, our short-stay residents receive the same high level of personalised service as everyone else.
Whether it’s sunshine and showers in Spring or darkening evenings in Winter, it’s always the perfect time of year to take a short break in one of our care homes. Not only does it give you the social life without any of the hassle, it gives your carers a break too.
If you care for a loved one, we know how hard you work. But we also know how important it is to have time out to rest and recuperate, so that you can continue to do such an amazing job. Our Short Breaks give you the chance to relax knowing your loved one is being taken care of.
Whether you are frail and in need of friendship or recovering from a fall, operation or illness, we can provide a safe, comfortable place to stay for as long as you want. However, you don’t have to be ill to take advantage of our short stays. If you’re having your flat or house redecorated, feeling a bit lonely or in need of a change of scenery, please give us a call.
Some families and residents view ‘respite’ or a short stay as a way to experience the care and support provided by a care home, with many going on to move into our homes permanently, while others regularly book short stays with us to help provide a break for carers or family members.
If you think a respite or short stay break might be right for you or your loved one, please call 0330 660 9997 to find out about the homes in your area and the care services available or click here to book a visit at one of our homes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Respite Care
What does ‘respite’ mean?
Respite is a term used to mean a short stay in a care home service. It is also sometimes called ‘short stay’. It’s also one of those tricky words to spell and often is written as ‘restbite’ rather than respite. Whatever the spelling, a short stay can be just the ticket to regain independence or provide a much needed break.
What does respite care provide?
Respite care can offer families and carers a much-needed break. It’s also a great option as part of a post-operative care programme or simply for when your home’s being redecorated.
Most carers tell us they feel guilty when they need a break or want to go on holiday, and they worry that no one will care for their relative the way they do.
Our care teams are passionate about providing individualised, friendly care. Each year, we help families all over the UK to take a break, knowing that their loved ones are in the very best hands in a brighterkind home.
Staying with us for a short period can help you to regain your confidence, make new friends, try new activities and take time out.
How much does a respite stay cost and what does it cover?
Our fees will vary depending upon the type of care, accommodation and the length of stay you require. Your chosen home’s manager will be able to talk to you about the fees when you enquire. We also give an indicative From price on each care home website. Funding care needn’t be a worry. brighterkind has identified care fees specialist, Symponia to offer independent guidance on how best to fund your care and make the most of your current assets.
Our fees include:
- 24-hour care
- Private bedroom – many offer en-suite facilities
- Full use of all communal lounges and facilities
- All utilities – there is no additional charge for gas or electricity usage
- Laundry (excludes dry cleaning services)
- All your meals and refreshments (including any special dietary requirements agreed with the home manager in advance)
- Varied activities programme
- Free hearing and eyesight test, where our home has Amplifon and Visioncall in place
We can also provide additional services and items for a small charge. These might include:
- Hairdressing appointments
- Daily newspaper
- Physiotherapy or occupational therapy sessions
- Appointments with our eyesight and hearing Caring Partners – Visioncall and Amplifon
Please call 0330 660 9997 to enquire about availability and the fees for your chosen home.
Who qualifies for respite care?
If you are funding your own care, you can choose to use short-stay services whenever and wherever you want. If you want advice about whether we can provide suitable care and support during your stay, please get in touch for a chat.
If you are part or wholly funding respite care with public funding from a local authority, for example, you will need to go through the public funding assessment process to determine whether you are eligible for a respite stay. This means liaising with your local social services in the first instance. However, remember you still have choice and if you are partly funding your care, it may well be worth having a conversation with care home fees specialist, Symponia. Your home manager can provide more information about Symponia.
The next step is to have a conversation with our home manager about the type of care you need, whether this be residential, nursing or dementia care. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure…call for a chat and some advice.
Is respite care always available?
Respite availability varies throughout the year, and different homes have different care services, so it’s recommended that you contact the home manager as far in advance as possible to check if they can accommodate you. Some of our care homes have the ability for you to pre-book your stay in advance, meaning you can book your holiday in the coming months knowing that care is in place.
How do I book a respite stay?
The first thing to do is have a conversation with the home manager or senior person on duty. They will be able to tell you whether they can provide the appropriate type of care for you or your relative. They will also let you know whether they have the facilities to book in advance or whether you would need to call back nearer the time.
We are sometimes able to offer you the option to book your respite stay in advance and can help you book up to size months in advance in some cases. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to pre-book your respite stay at all of our care homes, so please give us a call to discuss what you need and when. If this is the case, you will need to get in touch with the home nearer the time to confirm what is possible and whether accommodation is available for your desired dates.
Please call 0330 660 9997 to find out more about brighterkind care homes in your area.
Can my friends and family visit when I stay?
Of course! Your friends and family are welcome to visit you during your stay with us. We have visitor protocols in place to ensure residents, team and visitors remain safe, so this might mean arranging a visit in advance, however we have an online booking system to make this as easy as possible for family and friends to access.
How do I stay in touch with my friends and family?
Many residents and short stay residents stay in touch using their own mobile phone (and of course your friends and family can visit at any time). We've also introduced our own Magic Moments Club App to help familes stay in touch and also to provide extra entertainment. This innovation puts all the possibilities of social media, events, happenings, video calls, digital content and special personalised areas into the hands of our residents. We also take the magic outdoors, encouraging our residents to get out and about with trips to theatres, pubs, galleries, gardens and local events. A steady stream of interesting people also come into our homes, from local artists and musicians to animal therapists and beauticians.
See our Magic Moments Club App in action below!
Will I need to be assessed before I arrive?
We pride ourselves on our personalised care, which means it’s important we know how to care for you prior to your arrival. Your chosen home’s manager will arrange an assessment with you so we know exactly what your needs and preferences are.
What do I need to bring for my stay?
Your room has a wardrobe and set of drawers for your clothes. Your bed will be fully made up and we will also provide towels for your stay with us. You will, however, need to bring the following:
- Clothes for your stay, including underwear
- Socks, tights or stockings
- Night clothes and dressing gown
- Slippers and shoes
- Coat/jacket
- Toothbrush and toiletries
- Any medication you require during your stay
- Any personal electrical appliances (although these will need to be PAT tested)
- Any other small personal items, such as books, CDs, stationery, etc.
Apart from these items, come as you are! We look forward to spending more time with you.
Interested in finding out more?
Call our friendly team on 0330 660 9997 or find a care home near you...
