Respite care/short breaks

 

Respite care/short breaks

Respite care offers carers the chance to have a short break from their responsibilities, and the people who are being cared for to enjoy a break from their normal routine.

Birchwood Respite Unit

In Perth & Kinross Birchwood Respite Unit in Scone offers high quality accommodation for short breaks. We modernize this service to increase user choice, control, participation and independence and further develop opportunities for visitors to the unit to get involved in the local community and enjoy the leisure facilities Perth has to offer.

As part of the review a Short Breaks Bureau is being developed which will allow people to access funding for a short break and use it for a personalised holiday or social respite. This will allow more people to access respite services beyond the limits of the Birchwood accommodation.

So far people have enjoyed trips to a variety of shows and concerts, ten pin bowling, a skiing trip, weekends away in a hotel and family holidays with support.

Opening times

This service is open 24 hours per day - every day of the year.

Criteria for the service

Adults, between 16 and 65 years of age assessed by the Fieldwork Team as eligible through the Council Eligibility Criteria. The Service is for individuals who have learning disabilities and who need support with their daily living tasks.

Referral Process

The Fieldwork Team is based at Birch Avenue Centre and makes referrals based on a person's eligibility and need and availability of places. Birchwood staff arrange a pre-admission assessment visit at the person's home or in Birchwood. Every person has a dedicated link worker allocated who arranges introductory visits tailored to the individual's needs. Social worker from Perth & Kinross Council draws up a service agreement. Every six months we review the progress.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still access my day activities?
Yes. People are encouraged to continue with their day placements at day activities or work placements and transport is arranged for this.

What can I do?
In the Unit people like to watch TV, play games console and board games, do art and crafts, baking and listen to music. People also like to go to the cinema or theatre, go swimming, ten pin bowling, to the pub, out for a meal, out for a drive or for a walk.

When am I coming back?
Thanks to a comprehensive booking system you will be informed about dates you are booked in for respite.

Who else will be staying at Birchwood?
Compatibility of service users is considered to assist service users to enjoy their stay.

What do I do if I need help at night?
Birchwood have waking staff to support people through the night.

Important information

The Council is working to improve services for people with learning disabilities and their carers. While the service delivered from Birchwood is good, the Centre is extremely limited in the options it can offer people for respite. Birchwood Respite Centre will stop its services from November 2010. Before this happens, however, we will ensure that arrangements for continued respite care are in place for everyone who currently uses the Centre. You can find more information on Short Breaks Bureau section of the website.