Date: February 2007
RESPITE CARE AT ITS BEST!
The Palmers say Richmond Coventry is a Great Place for a Holiday
“My elderly parents-in-law said they fancied a holiday, but I couldn’t find somewhere that would give them the break they wanted and all the care they needed. I then discovered Richmond Coventry, a retirement village near Bedworth, and this provided the perfect solution all round,” says Chrys Palmer.
Chrys and husband Roger live in Huncote, close to Roger’s parents Horace (89) and Rene (88). The Palmers (senior) have carers who come into their home, but when they said they wanted to go on holiday, Chrys knew they would need considerable assistance. Chrys adds: “I looked everywhere. I thought excursion trips might be good, as part of a holiday package, where elderly people are taken out for the day. However, unless it is a close care package, they would be dropped off in the morning and picked up at the end of the day and Horace and Rene couldn’t cope with being in a resort on their own.”
Chrys saw an advert for Richmond Coventry, a retirement village built and operated by Richmond Villages. The purpose-designed care village provides an alternative to the conventional care home. There is a choice of living options, from village apartments for those who wish to live independently and serviced apartments for others who need some assistance to 24 hour care rooms; the properties are available to purchase or rent.
For anyone requiring a short respite stay in the village, e.g. from two days to two months, the serviced apartments, each with its own sitting room, kitchenette, double bedroom with en suite, hotel-style services and a variety of care options, are ideal. These suites are also used by those who require domiciliary care i.e. those recovering from an operation or illness, who have been discharged from hospital but who do not feel ready to return home.
Set amidst five acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Richmond Coventry offers excellent facilities that provide a holiday atmosphere. These include a bowling green, a beautician, a hairdressing salon, a library, two restaurants (with à la carte menus offering contemporary or traditional cuisine) and a shop. The village has a variety of social clubs, from the supper club - which meets regularly for a meal and an evening of entertainment - to crossword mornings and bingo evenings.
Chrys says: “Roger and I visited Richmond Coventry and thought it a lovely place; we particularly enjoyed eating in the restaurant. Horace and Rene decided to book in for two weeks in September and we were able to take a holiday, safe in the knowledge they were being well cared for.”
The caring staff at Richmond Coventry assessed the needs of the Palmers and made sure they were comfortable. A daily supply of fresh ingredients was provided so that Horace and Rene could make their own breakfast in their kitchenette in the mornings. The staff would then check what they wanted for lunch and tea and would take them to the restaurant at lunchtime. Tea – sandwiches or a hot meal – was served in their apartment. One of the staff would then pop in at around 9pm to make sure all was well.
The couple’s medical needs were taken care of too. Chrys adds: “Horace had an in-growing toe nail which became infected during his stay. The staff arranged for the doctor to treat this and provide antibiotics. On another occasion, Rene was unable to wake Horace, so she pressed the panic button; the staff came immediately and it turned out Horace was just having a really good deep sleep!”
Horace and Rene used to be great dancers and, although they can no longer dance, they thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere at a tea dance in Richmond Coventry; a brass band concert with buffet lunch one Sunday was a highlight. Rene also used the hairdresser and liked to sit on the balcony of the apartment, from where she could watch the ponies in a nearby field.
Chrys adds: “While we were on holiday in Germany, we were able to email Roger’s parents and other members of the family enjoyed visiting them during their stay. We were delighted with Richmond Coventry; it offers peace of mind and good value for money, I would recommend it to anyone looking for respite care.”
Respite care suites at Richmond Coventry are priced from £600 per week for a single person and from £800 per week for a couple; additional care packages can be arranged as required. For further information, telephone 02476 389630 or email: info@richmond-villages.com. Information on Richmond Villages is available on www.richmond-villages.com
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Ref: RV02/2007
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| The respite care service at Richmond Coventry provided first class facilities and excellent levels of care for Rene and Horace Palmer (front) to enjoy their very own holiday while their son Roger and daughter-in-law Chrys also took a well deserved break. |