Home away from home with respite care

Following a fall at home, Alex Lee-O’Sullivan went into residential respite care at her doctor's advice. Being new to respite care, Alex's stay at BlueCross Chelsea Manor was an eye opener for her. Here's her story.

Active and independent, 78-year-old Alexandra Lee-O’Sullivan (Alex) suddenly found herself incapacitated after she slipped and fractured her ankle while hanging her washing outdoors. Unable to care for herself at home, Alex was advised by her doctor to go into respite care at BlueCross Chelsea Manor.

“I guess it’s quite dangerous for me to recover at home even though my husband is at home. He is blind so I couldn’t possibly be dependent on him as I would in fact, endanger him while he’s trying to help me,” said Alex.

“I’ve heard of BlueCross – it has a good name and a good reputation – and Chelsea Manor is close to home,” she added. “It was also recommended by my doctor and a social worker who told me it’s a good place to go for respite.”

Alex appreciates the care and support she received at Chelsea Manor with day-to-day activities including personal grooming and showering.

“The staff helped me to cope and I felt safe,” said Alex. “It’s good that staff were also able to guide me on how to negotiate the different mobility aids like the wheelchair and scooter. Without the staff, I would not have been able to function.”

I suppose it’s an eye opener for me to see that residential respite is actually like a home away from home. "

New to respite care, Alex was pleasantly surprised with the facilities, support and care offered at Chelsea Manor. “I was actually quite elated to see that there are daily physio exercises tailored to different needs. With my fractured ankle, I was able to exercise with baby weights and also work on my other good foot. I really enjoyed that.”

Alex believes it is important for people to do their homework when considering respite care.

“It's good to know that there are facilities to help people with respite when they need it most. Check around, speak to people who have been in respite care, Google search or perhaps ask the doctors you know for recommendations,” advised Alex.

“And if it's possible, ask some of the residents about their experiences. If it's a long-term respite care, perhaps consider just checking in for one week or a few days to get the feel of the place you're considering. See whether you fit in and how you respond to that.”