The respite care homes are in Acocks Green and Erdington. They are both ordinary houses in ordinary suburbs, but have been designed to meet the very specific needs of people with severe learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

The homes both cater for a maximum of four people who can enjoy either a day, a weekend or a longer period of respite care with trained staff, while their parents or their regular carers take a well-earned break.

The homes are friendly and family-sized. They are adapted to the needs of people with multiple disabilities, having a lift, a specially adapted bathroom and a shower room and are both fully wheelchair – accessible. Each has four single rooms, three with single beds and one with a double bed. All the bedrooms have wash basins and are fully furnished; people are encouraged to bring their own possessions to personalize their rooms during their stay.

All the furniture and fittings comply fully with the requirements of Birmingham Social Services Department, the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Registered Homes Act 1984. Both houses have an effective smoke detection and fire alarm system.

Provision of Care

Both homes have been established to provide respite care for people with severe learning and physical disabilities. Our approach to care is open and friendly.

Each person who stays with us is encouraged to participate in his or her own care and in the running of the home.

We are able to cater for the dietary and social needs of service users from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

To ensure that we provide a high quality of care and are consistent in our approach, we maintain accurate and detailed records. All service users have a diary completed each day to identify their activities and experiences.

Families and carers will be made welcome and will be given all information regarding the service user during their stay. Carers play an active part in making decisions concerning the care of their relative.

While maintaining a homely environment, we aim to provide stimulating social, educational and recreational activities on a daily basis, both in the home itself and by using local facilities, thereby encouraging integration in the wider community.

An inspector from the Care Quality Commission checks the homes regularly and writes a detailed report. A copy of this report is available to view on the CQC website or from the Public Library. Both our respite care homes are rated by CQC as being excellent (***).