Discussing care options with someone you love isn’t always easy, but there is a way to make exploring residential care less daunting for everyone.
Business manager Helen Wallace from Watermoor House in Cirencester tells us more about respite care and how it’s helped many local families.
Q: What is respite care?
A: Respite care is a way for families to have a break when looking after an elderly loved one. Residents can stay with us for a day, a weekend or a month – whatever amount of time suits them, we’re incredibly flexible, offering a daily rate and the same quality, dedicated 24-hour care you would get as a permanent resident.
Q: How can respite care benefit elderly individuals?
A: Respite care is a great way for potential residents to see what life is like at Watermoor House, without making any long-term commitments. We ensure residents have all they need to feel relaxed, confident, in control, and able to maintain their independence.
We find older people benefit from the daily interaction our respite service offers. They form lasting bonds with our staff, as well as like-minded individuals, and love taking part in group activities.
Q: How can respite care help families and carers?
A: It enables carers and family members looking after an older relative to take a much-needed break.
Before joining us, we’ll arrange a visit to get to know you and your loved one. We’ll conduct a thorough assessment to understand care needs, routine, likes, dislikes and preferences. Together, we'll develop a bespoke care plan tailored to suit them.
This way you can feel at ease knowing that your loved one is being well looked after in a professional, friendly and secure environment.
Q: What advice do you have for people that haven’t tried respite care before?
A: I highly recommend learning more about respite care and what it has to offer. Even if you don’t use it that often, it’s a great and flexible way to access additional support. We have lots of information and introductory videos available on our website to help you find out more. We’re also just a phone call or email away, so if you have questions, please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
Q: What facilities and services are included in the respite care you offer?
A: Every respite care resident has access to our full range of services and facilities. This includes delicious home-cooked meals prepared by our talented in-house kitchen team, that can be enjoyed in the dining room adjoining our pretty patio garden, or if preferred, can be taken in the resident's own room.
Residents can book a hair or nail appointment at our on-site salon, participate in seated exercise classes, and access chiropody and reflexology services.
They can join in with as much or as little of our busy daily activities schedule as they want. This includes games, craft sessions, historical talks, choir visits and live performances from local entertainers. We also have lots of festive activities planned throughout the Christmas period as well as occasional outings in our own minibus.
Relatives and carers can visit residents as often as they like during the respite stay. We can also accompany residents to doctor, hospital and optician appointments, which can greatly help families with hectic schedules. Unlike many care homes, this is just part of our dedicated service and we do not charge extra.
Q: What can people expect from their first visit to Watermoor House?
A: People are always impressed by just how beautiful Watermoor House is. We’re situated in a stunning Georgian Grade II listed manor, surrounded by tranquil gardens and St. Michael's Park - a lovely green space, yet we're also just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Cirencester. We’re a very different type of home, operating as a not-for-profit charity, with something truly unique to offer.
Guests always comment on the warm welcome they receive and how at ease they are with every member of staff and resident they meet. We’re incredibly proud of the homely community we’ve created here and love making everyone that visits feel like part of our extended family.
To find out more about respite care, visit watermoorhouse.org/respite-care-short-breaks
Call 01285 654864 or email enquiries@watermoorhouse.org
