New Lancaster care home offers four week Christmas respite package for elderly relatives

The new state-of-the-art care home in Scotforth Road, said the respite care service would run from Monday December 7 until Sunday January 3.

A spokeswoman said it had been designed to give families peace of mind that their elderly relatives can be well cared for over the festive season.

For many families, the shadow of COVID has raised the question of how to cope if family circumstances suddenly change and carers are forced to self-isolate.

Larger families, with more than one elderly household to care for, may also be faced with tough decisions given restrictions around social interaction.

Gaye Clark, commissioning director at Ashton Manor, said: ‘’We’re really thrilled to offer this respite service: we know what a stressful time Christmas can be at the best of times for families with caring commitments.

"There are lots of different angles to what can be a thorny topic - from elderly relatives desperate not to be a burden, to sandwich generations with dependant parents and in laws.

"Plus, with people less likely to be able to travel and mix this year, families are under more pressure than ever.

‘’Letting us look after your loved ones this Christmas is like entrusting them to extended family, but family with high-level care experience and credentials!’’

She added: "By helping families plan ahead, the respite care package removes much of the stress that surrounds the season for people caring for relatives.

"Catering both for individual residents, as well as couples, the package has been carefully designed to ensure that it’s fully COVID compliant, whilst retaining a sense of celebration for respite residents over the festive season.

"‘Winter Wellbeing’ residents will move into the home by December 7, meaning that an initial 14 days spent in a quarantine suite – with a select group of carers – will be completed in time to take part in the warm, friendly festivities planned from Christmas Eve onwards.

"The team at Ashton Manor is passionate about making sure the quarantine period is a pleasant experience, with one-to one-activities planned, and spacious, light filled, beautifully decorated rooms to enjoy."

Christmas plans include decorating the home, festive mince pie making, present wrapping sessions, and carol services.

Ashton Manor is the first care home operating under the Evermore name, but the team behind the home is well-known locally, having provided mental health services and independent home care in Preston for 15 years under the Active Pathways brand.

The £8 million development took four years from planning to completion and Evermore said that significant investment into staffing means that the care team can focus on their true job of caring and concentrate on residents’ needs.