South West’s only short-stay respite care helps families in Christmas lead-up

The South West’s only short-stay respite care service has had a busy November as families prepare for the holiday season.

Capecare cottage respite is the only one of its kind in the South West, offering short-term visits for senior citizens who need daily care to give their carers a break.

Unlike normal respite care, which can last for several months, the cottages host guests for only up to two weeks, making the stay more like a hotel service.

Recently the cottages have had a major refurbishment, with upgrades in September making the facilities more welcoming. Guests are able to take part in daily activities and socialise with others while being cared for.

Capecare chief executive office Tim Nayton said the service aimed to help community members support their family while also having a break when needed.

“People come here who live in the community but require a level of care and support to continue to live comfortably, and that care and support often always comes from a family member,” he said.

“It may be a spouse, or it can also be a child, and it is a huge commitment and can be a pretty exhausting commitment over time, which they take on with the best of intentions and love.

“But this does come with a lot of work; for some people it’s 24-7 living with and caring for their partner.

“Having a respite program like this provides an opportunity for the carer to be able to rejuvenate and refresh themselves and to have a bit of downtime, which sometimes is all someone needs.”

Mr Nayton said the festive season could be challenging for families, with the normal rhythm of life interrupted.

“It can be an issue and create difficulty for some people, so having a respite facility like this allows people and carers to feel confident, comfortable and reassured that they are able to give themselves a break and the person they are caring for is being looked after,” he said.

December had been less busy for the cottages, with more family around to help day-to-day carers, but Mr Nayton said November had been a busy month as people prepare for Christmas.

“There is a huge amount of carers who have enormous levels of guilt or a sense of failure if they feel compelled or are encouraged to use respite care,” he said.

“But it just doesn’t need to be; it’s not healthy and there are some real benefits for people using respite in some form.”