Here’s some useful information if you are a parent or carer
Admissions
Our facilities give children and young people the chance to enjoy new activities and experiences. Socialising with other children and adults can broaden their horizons, and we find that new friendships are made.
Most of the children we care for require around the clock attention, and respite gives parents the opportunity to do some of the ordinary things other families take for granted like shopping, cleaning and focusing on their other kids. We know that it can be very hard to cope with the physical and emotional strain of having a child with multiple complex needs.
On your first visit to Brian House we will discuss what respite care we can offer, and how often we can provide it. Our aim is to give each family the support that best meets
their needs.
We provide both day and night care and in planning it is really useful to know which other services you already use in terms of respite and, of course, whether your child attends (or intends to) attend school.
Day Care
Day care is from 9am – 3pm and is usually provided to the under 5s, though each family’s
specific needs are taken into account. Please ensure you bring everything your child will need during a day with us, including medicines, equipment and spare clothing.
Overnight Care
Overnight care admissions are at 3.30pm, with discharge the following day at 3pm.
Again, remember to send everything your child will need for that stay.
If a child is coming to us straight from school, you will need to speak to a member of staff beforehand, so that they have accurate and up to date admission information about
your child’s current condition. If this doesn’t happen, your child will not be able to stay with us.
Respite Care
How do we request respite care?
Respite care is planned three to four months – please plan ahead to help us help you. If you have any last minute requests for respite care please ask, on rare occasions we may be able to help.
Reviewing care
The amount and type of respite care you need may change over time. You will get to know us and may wish to start leaving your child overnight, your child may become more unwell or their condition may improve. It will be reviewed routinely with you after 3-4 months to ensure that both you and the hospice feel that Brian House is an appropriate place for your child to receive care.
If you have any concerns or questions about the respite care your child is allocated then please talk to the Clinical Manager or Sister at Brian House.
Useful Information?
Nurse available for admission discussions daily:
- Between 10:30-11:30, 14:30-15:30 and 19:00-20:00
- Please remember to bring with you everything your child may need during their stay and enough of it to last however long they may be staying. If you are unsure what to bring please ask, but the usual list includes nappies, syringes, wipes, toothbrush and other toiletries.
- Although we aim to meet the individual needs of each family there are some guidelines that we follow to ensure that we are as fair as possible in how we allocate respite care. Your child will be regularly assessed on dependency, and high dependency children are offered more respite care.
- If your child attends school full time and has overnight care, they are not given day care.
- Weekends and school holidays are shared out equally between all families. We will ask you for emergency contact during any respite or holiday care, this person must be able to care for your child in your absence should the need arise, as part of our
procedures we will contact this person.
If you are unhappy
We try to provide the highest standard of care, but if you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, please speak to a member of staff, Senior Sister or Clinical Manager so we can try to put things right as quickly as possible. Alternatively, call us on 01253 359365. We also have a complaints procedure and formal complaints policy. If you would like more information please just ask.