respite care

[dorisday]

I need to find somewhere that will take my sister in law for two weeks holiday to give my brother a break. She suffered from cerebral palsy and although she can sort of take care of herself she needs supervision and outings. Can anyone offer any advice or leads

[Constantine]

If your brother speaks to his or his wife's (am I right to assume it's his wife you've mentioned?) doctor they will point him in the right direction. I've had no personal experience, but I'm aware that there are a few different ways to get him some "time off". They'll likely offer nurse visits or a stay in some kind of residential home. Yep, tell him to get onto the doctor asap, because as is the way with anything NHS related it may take some time to organise.

[darth vader]

where is she now? (ie. north/south/east/west Uk) and how far would she be willing to travel?

[IggyB]

the ever useful NHS Direct has this to say on the subject - 'Your Social Services Department will have criteria for the services it provides. They can offer advice and information or arrange an assessment of your or your carers needs at home. Social services will normally have a charging policy for home care and residential care services. Costs will usually depend on your benefits, savings, or income. Under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the Local Authority has a duty to provide welfare services that include the provision of a holiday for people with disabilities. Your Social Services department may also be able to put you in touch with voluntary organisations that may also be able to offer respite care services. Some voluntary organisations for specific health conditions have their own holiday homes (e.g. Diabetes UK, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arthritis Care). The charity 'BREAK' can offer respite care, specialist childcare, and UK holidays by the sea. The charity 3H Fund -Organise subsidised group holidays for physically disabled children and adults with the support of volunteer helpers so that carers can have a break. They also provide grants to families on low income who care for a physically or mentally disabled person to have a UK holiday break.' I know this isn't really what you wanted, but www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk has an enquires section so I recommend you forward your question to them, hope it all works out all the best, IggyB

[brawburd]

IggyB has said it all. Phone your local social work office and ask for a community care assessment, or ask GP to arrange same.

[cobweb]

You could also try to find out about any Carers support groups either nearby or national as they may be able to refer or access respite care for your brother and other local services etc. Good luck!

[dorisday]

Thanks you for all your help. I have made so many phone calls. I am waiting for Scope to get back to me. Social services are sending me a list a places but that was a week ago. To answer Darth Vaders question she is in Essex area. Alot of places I ring seem to only take children or up to 18, then the other option is old peoples home and their minimum age is 60, Janet is 53!!! I know we MUST be able to find somewhere. Thanks again all of you.

[woofgang]

You might try a charity called the Winged Fellowship who do holidays for adults with disabilities, http;//www.wft.org.uk

[woofgang]

You might try a charity called the Winged Fellowship who do holidays for adults with disabilities, http;//www.wft.org.uk

[Ewood27]

My late wife had Alzheimer's, and for a while I looked after her at home. I found Social Services very helpful with arranging for carers to come in daily and help me with things like washing and dressing her, and for regular respite care in a nursing home. I live in Surrey, by the way