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Respite can support your child and family in a number of ways.

What is respite care?

Planned respite offers you and your family a break from your caring responsibilities, safe in the knowledge that your child is being cared for at Hope House or Tŷ Gobaith by nurses and health care support workers trained to meet the individual needs of your child.

Respite is usually booked in advance. However, we can also respond to emergencies or unexpected events.

An individualised care plan is developed by the nursing team, alongside you and your family, so that we can learn about your child’s medical needs, usual routines and all their likes and dislikes. Each family is an expert when it comes to caring for their child and you guide us in how to look after them.

Why is respite care needed?

The complexity of care required for a child with a life-limiting condition means many parents are not able to leave their child with friends or relatives. As such, the strain on parents can be immense, which can have a significant impact on family wellbeing.

Respite care allows you and your family to rest and recharge your batteries, to enjoy doing the fun things with your child rather than being governed by medication and feeding regimes. You can also spend time talking to our specialist staff about any fears and concerns you may have.

How can your child benefit from respite stays?

Children benefit from their respite visits in many different ways:

• It’s a ‘holiday’ being cared for in a different environment
• There are exciting new opportunities to explore such as outings, the sensory room, hydrotherapy, music therapy, activities within the hospice, sensory gardens, and interactive technology
• Physiotherapy
• Play therapy
• Their symptom management needs can be reviewed

What is the impact of respite care for parents and carers?

Parents tell us that a huge pressure is lifted by having skilled care professionals who they know and trust to take responsibility for caring for their child’s complex medical needs.

You are able to relax because you are confident that the nurses caring for your child have the expertise to cope with medical emergencies.

Knowing that your child is being safely cared for means you can allow yourself to sleep through the night and really recharge your batteries.

Does respite help brothers and sisters too? 

Absolutely. Some brothers and sisters really enjoy the opportunity to spend time with you as parents. All children love a bit of one-on-one time but unfortunately this is really hard to achieve when you have a brother or sister who has really complex needs.

Our hospice team work alongside siblings ensuring that they feel involved and valued.

This may be through 1:1 sessions or planned group activities depending upon individual need.

What facilities do we have at our hospices?

Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith are specially designed with the comfort of children and families in mind. All of the child and family accommodation overlooks outdoor spaces, gardens or surrounding countryside. The hospices are designed to be a ‘home from home’ - the rooms are all spacious and accessible.

Click to view the leaflets below to see photographs of some of our rooms, but nothing beats coming and seeing us for real.

We are always happy to show you around and have a chat.

View hospice tour video

Are some parents and carers unsure about using respite care initially?

Yes indeed, many parents feel anxious about leaving their child for the first time. However, we work closely with you and your family to ensure we are fully informed of all your child’s needs and there is no pressure at all to leave them.

This will happen when you feel able and confident to do so – there is no set timescale. Some families never want to leave their child, which is also OK, and they will spend the respite time together as a family enjoying the facilities we have to offer.

How do families access respite care?

In order to access respite care at Hope House or Tŷ Gobaith, we must receive a referral from you or a professional involved in your child’s care. Parental consent must be obtained prior to the referral being submitted because supporting evidence will be requested from your child’s medical team.

The referral will be reviewed by our admissions panel in line with the hospice’s acceptance criteria. You will receive written confirmation of acceptance for hospice services and a member of the nursing team will contact you to make arrangements to visit the hospice for the first time.

Each family is offered a minimum number of nights respite each year that you can book in advance. Families can also call us for extra emergency help, for instance if parents themselves are taken ill and are unable to care for their child.

Feeback from Parents

“We were treated like a king and queen and little princes when we visited Hope House for respite care.”

“The staff have the knowledge and skills to cope with children with really complex conditions and are brilliant at looking after the rest of the family too. Suddenly things seem more bearable.” 

“Coming to Tŷ Gobaith was the best thing that ever happened to us. We were really nervous but from the minute we walked through the door the nurses welcomed us all with love and expertise.”

Information Leaflets

Contact Us

We hope this has provided an introduction to Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith and our services and facilities. If you would like to visit us or find out more about referrals please call.

Hope House
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01691 671999

Tŷ Gobaith
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01492 651900

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