Respite Support for David in Wandsworth

In Wandsworth, a team of 12 colleagues (including part-time and waking nights) provide respite support for up to three people from Monday through to Thursday, and for up to five people from Friday to Sunday. 

Families and carers often choose to spread out their allocated days over the year, booking in with the team in advance, while others like the flexibility and will contact the team when respite support is needed. Weekends tend to be the busiest time. 

There are six individual bedrooms, and a sensory room designed to provide calm during moments of distress or overstimulation. The room features interactive wall hangings, a projection machine, and soothing sounds like rain, ocean waves, and forest ambience.
 
David’s mum explains why the team’s support for her son has been invaluable over the many years that David has been visiting; 

“David stays from Friday to Tuesday every three weeks. My husband and I are both in our 70s and care for him at home without any outside help. Now in his 40s, David wants more independence and doesn’t always want to be with us. However, his social life is limited, and he can’t go out on his own. He relies on us a lot, and we are not getting any younger. He is very chatty and loves music – he knows so much about different bands and artists – but he needs more stimulation, and we need a break too.

Respite care means a great deal to all of us. David always returns with glowing reports, and the team take him to lots of places in the local area.”