Respite care is a paid-for service providing short stays in the peaceful, supportive environment of the Hospice in Colchester, so caregivers can experience temporary relief from the rewarding, yet demanding role of caring for a loved one. All the funds raised go back into St Helena to support its core free hospice service.

Niamh Eve, Hospice Matron, said:

“It can be tiring emotionally and physically to care round the clock for someone who is frail or who has an incurable illness. Having a week or two off to look after their own wellbeing, knowing their loved one is in the caring hands of the expert team at St Helena, will help recharge their own batteries. 

“Our respite care is ideal for people needing a break from caring and to give families time to rest, or to make disruptions at home, such as noisy building work, manageable.

“Respite is a good experience for both sides, with the patient enjoying a change of scenery and access to all the hospice’s amenities including relaxing jacuzzi bath, peaceful spaces, social and emotional support, complementary therapies, beautiful gardens and delicious homecooked meals.

“While this is a paid-for service, in some circumstances payment may be funded by the NHS or local authority. 100% of the money raised from respite care is reinvested back into St Helena to provide its free core hospice services for all those who need it.”

Having had a caring and compassionate experience at the hospice twice before as an inpatient, Rosie Curtis from Clacton decided to have a respite stay at the hospice for 10 days while her regular carers at home were on holiday. During her stay, Rosie enjoyed relaxing complementary therapies, good food and time for herself:

“I wanted to have a break from home, just for me, and give my family a break from caring for me. I do have a good network, but it's different coming into the Hospice because you can't believe how much care and love there is about. 

"I am unable to a bath at home, so going there and having wonderful baths where you are not hurried, is a very relaxing experience. The Hospice is a very nice, relaxing place. It’s a good place to go to for some nice me time, and you've got all that love around you as well. I’d definitely come back for more!”

Anyone over the age of 16 with frailty or life-limiting illness can visit St Helena for a respite stay. Respite care is not suitable if a condition is deteriorating and frequent specialist interventions are needed; in this case a referral to regular St Helena services is more appropriate. Patients do not need to already be known to St Helena.

To discuss booking a stay and to arrange a visit for a tour of the facilities, contact Niamh Eve, Hospice Matron by email to respite@sthelena.org.uk or call 01206 845 566.

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