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Respite care for adults with learning disabilities

Short break respite care for adults with learning disabilities can include:

  • planned or emergency respite in our short break unit
  • innovative respite in the community, such as in hotels or cottages - our Short Breaks Bureau has more information and advice

If you, or the person you are caring for, would like short break respite care, please contact our Social Care teams and ask for an assessment. The amount of short breaks each person using the service and their family get depends on your individual needs and your home or family situation. 

Short break unit

Respite can be offered to you in our specialist respite unit. The unit offers respite for up to four people. It includes individual bedrooms, communal kitchen with dining area, living room and bathrooms. There are staffs on site who support the people staying. They also organise activities including day trips.

We have one short break unit in Aberdeenshire: Willowbank Short Break Bungalow, Glendaveny, Peterhead, AB42 3DY 01779 838917.

The unit:

  • is registered with four beds
  • provides short break respite to adults
  • is adapted for people with physical disabilities, including hoist system and adapted bathroom

Short break unit accommodation

You will have your own bedroom. You can lock your bedroom door. No one will enter your room without asking you first. There is a lockable facility in your bedroom so you can keep your money safe. If you prefer the staff can look after it.

There is a telephone which you can use to call friends and family. Staff at the unit can help you with this if you need it.

You can bring your own things, such as soft toys and photos to help you feel more at home. Don't bring goods of extreme value. We can't take responsibility for their safety. There are TVs and CD players you can use.

Meal times are flexible. All types of diet can be catered for. You can help with shopping and preparing the meals. You can also use the kitchen to prepare small snacks, tea, coffee and juice with the appropriate support.

Friends and family can visit during your stay at the respite unit. You need to let staff know when they are coming in case you will be busy or out for the day. Pets can't stay with you in the respite unit.

You will need to sign an occupancy agreement. This gives more details about the terms and conditions of your respite stay.

Your health

Arrangements are in place with local services should you need any healthcare during your stay. If you take medication it is very important to bring it with you to the respite unit. Staff are experienced in handling medication. If you normally look after your own medication you can do so. You can use the locked facility in your bedroom for this.

Medication must be in the original packaging and labelled with your name. Otherwise staff can't dispense it.

No unauthorised drugs or substances can be taken to the respite units. Alcohol isn't permitted. There is a no smoking policy. So you can't smoke on the premises, including in your room.

Things to bring

Remember to bring:

  • your dressing gown and slippers
  • changes of clothing to wear during your stay
  • personal toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
  • spending money for when you go on outings for drinks and meals
  • your travel concession or companion card, if you have one
  • enough medication to last the length of your stay
  • your prescription, if possible

Named contact person

It is important you have a named contact person who knows you very well and understands your needs. If you needed to go into hospital, or be collected in case of an emergency such as a lengthy power cut, your contact person should be available to be with you as soon as possible.

Private respite care

Respite care can also be provided by:

Archway - a registered charity providing short breaks for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Inspire - a registered charity providing a range of services for people with learning disabilities and additional support needs, including respite care and innovative day opportunities.

Other support organisations and charities also provide respite care breaks for adults with learning disabilities.