Emergency respite care at Redcot care home supports family in need

Respite care resident Felicity with Care Home Manager Jan sat together reading a magazine

Redcot care home in Haslemere, Surrey recently answered an emergency immediate assistance call from a family who were extremely anxious to find a respite stay for their mother.

82-year-old Felicity – who lives with Parkinson’s Disease – had been living independently throughout the COVID pandemic and lockdowns. Unfortunately, due to a non-COVID related illness, she had been admitted into hospital to receive treatment and recover.

When well enough to be discharged, Felicity’s family did not want her to return to her own home where she’d be alone and isolated. They were concerned that due to the continued lockdown, she may suffer a decline in her health and wellbeing.

Instead, they wanted her to recoup further, be with other people and take a respite stay in a caring, comfortable home from home environment.

The family contacted Jan Daly, Care Home Manager at Redcot to see if the care home had capacity and availability to care for Felicity on an immediate respite basis. Without delay, Jan ensured she could accommodate Felicity as part of the charity’s emergency admissions policy. Jan and her and her team quickly made the necessary arrangements and welcomed Felicity into the care home.

Upon her arrival, in line with our COVID protocols, Felicity self-isolated before joining and interacting with the other residents. Felicity has now settled in amazingly well and loves living at Redcot. She’s made new friends and is enjoying the activities and social interactions.

Redcot care home in SurreyCommenting on the Respite care at Redcot, Jan said: “Our respite care is designed to provide older people with a temporary, short-term retreat. We tailor the respite experience to meet the individual’s bespoke needs. For example, they may need additional support following an operation or illness or may just need some time to give their carers and families the opportunity to take a carer’s break.

“Throughout these challenging and unprecedented times caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have continued to be committed to our respite offer, where it has been safe to do so, and have continued to give the highest quality standard of care to everyone we care for.”

Felicity’s daughter said: “Mum has really settled into Redcot and has received an unrivalled level of respite care. Since being with Jan and the Team, I can see she has made great progress with her recovery, has built up her strength, is happy, cared for and supported. Mum is joining in with the other residents and has made some lovely friends. It was the best decision we made bringing Mum here.”

Jan concluded: “Felicity has become a much loved member of the Redcot family. Thanks to the Care Team’s speedy response, dedication, commitment, care and encouragement, Felicity has recovered from her illness and is so happy and content.”

Felicity and her family are so pleased with Redcot’s quality of care and respite offering, they are considering making Felicity’s stay a permanent arrangement.

To find out more about Redcot care home, including respite care, call 01428 644 637 or email enquiries@fote.org.uk