Rest and Respite Facilities
The Tyddyn Bach Trust
Here we take a look at The Tyddyn Bach Trust. A well established Respite Centre that has been providing an important service provision for over 3 years. Tyddyn Bach Trust (TBT) is a registered charity. It was formed (under its former name of Muddied Mercy House Foundation) in 1993 by three individuals who had been involved with the care of people affected by HIV/AIDS. They quickly became aware of the stigma and prejudice, which the virus attracts, particularly in a rural area such as
North Wales.
What will I find at Tyddyn Bach?
Tyddyn Bach is looked upon as a home from home. The volunteers and staff being the family, and the guests as extended family members. The House has 4 well appointed guest rooms with a large lounge and dining room. Tyddyn Bach offers rest and social respite to people with HIV /AIDS, their families and carers, irrespective of their creed, colour, race or gender. The length of stay is limited to a maximum of three weeks per month. Guests arriving by bus or train are collected from the station. The Trust’s catchment area runs the length and breadth of the UK. In the three years that the Tyddyn Bach Trust has been open for respite care, it has established strong links with a substantial number of Social Services Departments and other referral agencies nationwide. The Centre has extensive views over the Irish Sea, the
Island of Anglesey, and Puffin Island. The tranquil gardens of Tyddyn Bach are sheltered by the
Carneddau mountain range
Well Being
Tyddyn Bach provides quality social respite care and support to children, teenagers and adults with HIV/AIDS together with their partners, families or carers. Tyddyn Bach’s aim is to treat each individual with dignity and respect in a caring, compassionate environment; to foster positive attitudes towards living well with the virus; and to provide the necessary psychological, emotional and spiritual support. Tyddyn Bach is a social respite centre not a nursing home and cannot, therefore, offer physical care. However, a person needing any degree of assistance should contact TBT to discuss their specific needs.
Family Facilities
Tyddyn Bach welcomes families at all times of the year, and is ‘child friendly’ as it is set in large secluded gardens where children can play safely. Childminders are available for 6hrs a day 7 days a week during school holidays. This service may be extended to other periods upon request. There are plenty of activities for the children; there is a children’s Adventure playground and a large indoor play area equipped with a variety of toys, books, games, a small pool table, and a bouncy castle. There is also a children’s selection of videos available upon request (there are TV’s and video-players in each bedroom as well as in the guest lounge which is further benefited by Sky TV).
Out and About
North Wales Birds Trust regularly attend the Trust and exhibit birds of prey, owls, parrots, etc., to the guests. This allows the adults and children staying at Tyddyn Bach the opportunities to see, touch, and ask questions about the birds which, normally, they would not be able to do. Tyddyn Bach is within walking distance of both the beach and the mountains. However, transport can be arranged.
To assist those who do not want to walk to the beach or local shops. There are also many fun and exciting nearby family attractions such as the
Welsh Mountain Zoo,
The Sea Life Centre, Pony Trekking, The
Electric Mountain,
Conwy Castle,
Rhyl Fun Fair, and
Llanberis which houses the train to the summit of Snowdon. For those wishing to travel further a field the ferry to Ireland is only half an hour away. (Passports are required)
Arranging your stay
Your stay at Tyddyn Bach can be arranged through a healthcare or social worker. The cost of your visit can often be met by statutory bodies - social services or healthcare trusts - or by voluntary agencies and charitable trusts. An initial telephone enquiry should be made to ascertain a mutually convenient provisional date for the proposed stay, Those requesting respite must arrange their stay three weeks before hand. A referral assessment form should be completed and signed by the relevant professionals. The form should reach Tyddyn Bach by no later than seven days prior to the commencement of the stay. Confirmation of the acceptance of a placement cannot be given prior to the receipt of the Referral Assessment Form. Any cancellations must be received within 14 days prior to the agreed commencement date, as TBT have a cancellation fee in operation.
Travelling to Tyddyn Bach
By car: Penmaenmawr lies equidistant between Conwy, Bangor and the Snowdonia national park, and it has easy access to and from the A55 dual carriageway, which places it 45 minutes north from the motorway network. The A55 also gives fast access to Liverpool (70 miles) and Manchester (92 miles). To the north west is Holyhead (20 minutes) and the ferries to Dublin.
By train: Rail services run into the North Wales coastal destinations from most parts of Britain with inland connections From Llandudno Junction. Tel (08457) 484950 or go to
www.thetrainline.com for further information. Express train services from London take approx. 3 hours 30 minutes.
By bus: National express provides a nationwide service. Victoria coach station, London operates a direct service. Most cities and towns have simple connections. Tel (08705) 808080 or go to
www.gobycoach.com
Members and Volunteers of the Trust
TBT has a diverse membership. Which includes local people, service users, representatives from other relevant organisations e.g. service providers. The Trust has 117 members and 25 volunteers. TBT has gained the support of Members of Parliament, local Councillors, local businessmen, clergy, doctors, health, and social workers. Placements and volunteers benefit from in-house training; consisting of aspects such as the day to day running of Tyddyn Bach, basic counselling techniques, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Within the last six months Llandrillo College have trained volunteers in areas such as Basic Health and Hygiene, Basic Health and Safety, and Emergency First Aid. During January of this year TBT will begin educating 12 volunteers to HND standard in IT and 3 in Business Studies. Two more volunteers have enrolled through TBT on a distance learning course which can culminate with a B.A. in Voluntary Sector Studies. All the above have been provided free of charge both to the Trust and the individual involved.
Future Changes / Developments
The Directors of the Trust wish to appoint an experienced Tutor to establish accredited training courses in HIV/AIDS awareness and counselling, which can be delivered both in house, as a comprehensive residential course open to all UK organisations, and within the community as a one day awareness course. Once formulated, seminars can be delivered to schools and youth clubs along with other interested organisations. The tutor will also be responsible for the on-going training of volunteers, New Deal placements and students. This appointment is seen as pivotal to the continued success of the project, to ensure the quality of services is maintained and that the Centre is promoted nationally. The Tyddyn Bach Trust is also looking into the possibility of holding retreats, and to make alterations to and furnish the building known as the annex in order to allow greater numbers to attend residential training courses.
The Tyddyn Bach Trust. Graiglwyd Road, Penmaenmawr, Conwy LL34 6ER.
Tel/fax: 01492 623322 email:
info@tyddynbachtrust.org.uk
Website:
www.tyddynbachtrust.org.uk
The Tyddyn Bach Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1094031. Tyddyn Bach Trust was a winner of ‘The Tree of Life Award’ 2000 for the best respite centre in the UK.
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The Sussex Beacon
A long established respite facility. Sussex Beacon is a clinical facility offering convalescent, respite and terminal care for people with HIV and AIDS, both on a residential and day-care basis. The environment is medically orientated and provides patient care rather than hostel facilities. The Sussex Beacon recognise that the needs of people with HIV and AIDS have changed significantly since they opened and hope to reflect this in the care they provide and adapting in the ever changing face of HIV.
The Sussex Beacon has registered nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day. The nursing staff wear name badges which tell you who they are and their role. The registered nurses wear blue and white uniforms whilst the healthcare assistants wear grey and blue. On admission a nurse will be identified who will take a special interest in your care, particularly in relation to discharge planning. This is your “named nurse”. To provide continuity if your nurse is going on holiday or night duty, a second nurse will be identified to act as your “named nurse”.
The Clinical Medical Officer (CMO) is on duty from Monday to Friday and is the doctor you will see on admission for an examination. The CMO is responsible for your direct medical care whilst you are a resident at The Sussex Beacon. There is an on-call system with a team of experienced doctors who provide cover when the CMO is off duty. Each Thursday Dr. Andreas Hiersche (Consultant in Palliative Medicine), Dr. Duncan Churchill or Dr. Martin Fisher (Consultant in HIV/AIDS) and a doctor from the community team, visit The Sussex Beacon to discuss clients' individual clinical needs. If you are a resident outside of East Sussex, and have been referred for low dependency respite care. medical intervention will be based on the treatment plan suggested by your regular clinical doctor. The CMO will speak to your regular clinical doctor before and after discharge to ensure continuity of care.
What will I find at the Sussex Beacon?
On admission an assessment of your physical, social and emotional needs will be undertaken. In most cases this assessment will continue for three days. This is to allow the staff to get to know you and gain an overall understanding of your needs. A plan of care designed to meet these needs will then be formulated between you and your nurse. The nurses and healthcare assistants will do their best to make you feel comfortable and valued as a client. It may be that although you are feeling physically quite well you are in need of some extra support, or that you require a place where you can learn about new medications with nursing staff on hand to give advice.
There are three main meals a day and a member of the nursing staff will discuss any special requirements with you. Nursing staff will organise dietary supplements for you. Mealtimes are as follows: Cooked Breakfast: 9.00-10.15am – Lunch: 12.30-1.30pm – Dinner: 6.00pm. Meals may be taken in the dining room, your bedroom or in the upstairs lounge. Visitors are welcome to join you at meal times. A price list for visitors is available in the day room. Please let the catering staff know in advance if you are having guests at mealtimes. The Sussex Beacon’s philosophy is to care for clients in an holistic way to meet their individual needs.
There are a range of therapists available throughout the week. Therapies include acupuncture, aromatherapy, healing, massage and hypnosis. The therapists are all qualified and offer their services free of charge. It is important to note that as the therapists are volunteers they are not always available. If there is a certain therapy you would like to receive whilst a resident please let the nursing staff know in advance. If you already receive complementary therapies in the community please feel free to invite your therapist to The Sussex Beacon. You will be responsible for any expense incurred. Oil burners are available from the nursing staff on request. The Sussex Beacon is visited by local spiritual leaders including a chaplain and Roman Catholic priest. Any other clergy or spiritual leaders are welcome to attend at your request.
Out and About
The Sussex Beacon is situated approximately 2 miles from Brighton town centre and the sea front. It is easily accessed by a limited bus service. A timetable is available from the Nursing Office or the main reception. Although access to the town centre by foot takes approx. 40 minutes it is best to note that The Sussex Beacon is situated at the top of a very steep hill. Staff will be pleased to supply you with a list of taxi numbers. It is anticipated that clients will make their own way to The Sussex Beacon on the day of admission.
Prior to Admission & House Rules
Clients attending The Sussex Beacon for a stay are advised to contact the Nursing staff if they have questions about medication, special diet requests or other special needs. You are requested to arrive before 2.00pm on the day of admission.
Smoking is allowed in your room but not in the communal areas. Please restrict the amount of cash and valuables you bring with you as provision for safekeeping of these is minimal. You should bring clothes, toiletries, books, Walkman and any items you wish to personalise your room during your stay. Some non-smoking rooms are available.
You are asked to bring enough medication for the duration of your stay. On admission you will be advised if the medication policy which at present requires you to surrender your medications for the nurse to dispense. This is in order to meet the requirements of the health authority. A policy allowing residents to self medicate is currently being piloted. Please bring your medicine in the original labelled containers, if this is not possible please contact one of the nursing staff before admission.
The Sussex Beacon do not wish to discriminate against anyone on the grounds of drug and alcohol use, however in a communal environment it is important that problems which may occur as a result of drug and alcohol use are addressed. The policy with regard to drug and alcohol use will be discussed with you on admission, it should be noted that disruptive behaviour which occurs as a result of you being under the influence of drink or drugs may result in you being asked to leave.
Visitors & Visiting
Your relatives and friends may visit you at any time during the day or evening but it is requested that they leave by 11.30pm. Alternative arrangements may be arranged after discussion with the nursing staff. In special circumstances it may be possible for a friend or relative to stay overnight, any request with regard to this should be made in advance to your nurse. There is a direct telephone line to the residential unit via a portable payphone. This can be used in the privacy of your room. Your friends/family may telephone The Sussex Beacon enquiring about your well being. Please let the nursing staff know if you would prefer us not to share information with them.
Volunteers
The Sussex Beacon have an excellent volunteer service and you may meet volunteers working in different capacities during your stay. Generally, the only volunteers working on the clinical floor are the complimentary therapists and the lunchtime volunteers who bring around the tuck trolley and assist in serving lunch. All volunteers are supervised and follow the same confidentiality code as other Sussex Beacon staff. The Sussex Beacon volunteer is a highly valued member of the team, this is reflected in their selection process, the training, supervision and on-going support that they provide throughout the time that a volunteer is with them, an important support service, that many other organisations forget. The Sussex Beacon holds a monthly volunteer meeting providing the opportunity to meet other team members and volunteers. There is also a quarterly newsletter.
Other Services
The Sussex Beacon has a Client’s Forum as a link between clients and management. The forum meets every six weeks and all clients are welcome. There are clients who are available to talk to you about any aspect of your stay and your comments will only be used with your agreement. The representative will visit once a week, or you can arrange an appointment through your nurse. You can also write to your representative and leave your comments in a sealed envelope for them.
The Sussex Beacon utilise a number of fundraising initiatives, including a very successful charity shop situated in Hove town centre. The shop is doing very well in the few weeks since the re-opening and is looking for more volunteers to help staff the shop.
If you can spare a few hours a week to help in the Sussex Beacon Charity Shop, please contact either the Shop Manager Marc McMoran on 01273 206302, or the Volunteers Manager, Gary Winter on 01273 694222.
The Sussex Beacon, Bevendean Road, Brighton BN2 4DE
Tel: 01273 694222. Fax: 01273 682740
Email:
info@sussexbeacon.org.uk
Website:
www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
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Body Positive Tayside - Respite Caravan
Here we take look at Body Positive Tayside’s Respite Caravan. A well established Self-Help and Service Provider that has been providing an important service provision for over ten years.
Everyone benefits from a break from their everyday life - it gives us a chance to rest, to forget the daily grind and to enjoy ourselves. So isn't that just what Respite and Retreat to do? That, and more. People affected by HIV often live in isolation, not feeling free to share their hopes and fears with family and friends. The Body Positive Tayside Respite Caravan located on a caravan site near the beautiful fishing village of Elie in Scotland and will offer a safe setting where friends and family can share experiences, take stock of their present situation, and find emotional strength and support in each other to continue their lives, whilst enjoying a break.
When is the Caravan available and what does it offer?
The caravan is available from Easter through to mid October, and can be booked for week-long and weekend breaks. The caravan has one double bedroom, one twin bedded room, shower, toilet, kitchen and lounge area which can become a sleeping area for one small double bed and a child/single bed, Gas Central Heating, 14" Colour Television, Fully Fitted Kitchen (gas cooker, instant hot water gas operated - crockery for up to 8 people, kitchen utensils, First Aid Kit, Garden Furniture
The Caravan doesn't offer nursing care; should you require constant supervision, Body Positive Tayside ask that you come with a carer.
Local & Site Amenities
These include; A beautiful long sandy beach. Children's play areas and clubs. Bar and Restaurant on site. Shop & Launderette. Public Telephone (coin operated). Elie is a fishing village with the following amenities; Pharmacy, Hairdresser, Bank, Church, Pubs, Coffee Shop, Baker, Hotels, Antique Shops, Golf Course, Post Office, Grocer, Gift Shop and Shoe Shop.
For Further Information.
Contact Jill at Body Positive Tayside. Body Positive will send you the relevant application form. Body Positive will discuss costings and any support you may need. All those who access respite services are required to abide by the Body Positive Tayside Code of Conduct. Confidentiality - Body Positive respects the confidentiality of those who use the service, and expects all who use the services to respect our confidentiality policy. If you require transport to and from our respite caravan, please contact the office for details. Any information that you give is not used for any other purpose without your consent.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT BP TAYSIDE ARE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE THIS CARAVAN SO TAKE CARE TO USE IT CAREFULLY
Body Positive Tayside. 11-15 Princes Street, Dundee. DD4 6BY
Telephone: 01382 461555.
Fax: 01382 461424
Email: admin@bptayside.sol.co.uk
Website: www.bodypositivetayside.org
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The Mildmay Hospital
Mildmay is a Christian organisation dedicated to improving the lives of men, women and children challenged by HIV and AIDS. They translate their faith into action by caring for body, mind and soul, with unconditional care and compassion. Mildmay’s origins go back to 1866 when a cholera epidemic was raging in the East End of London. It was the vision of a local Anglican minister and the brave response of two young deaconesses that put Mildmay on the map and shaped their future. The minister was The Rev William Pennefather, a social evangelical from Mildmay Park in Islington. His deaconesses shared his sense of duty to the local community and together they braved the slums of Bethnal Green where even doctors had feared to tread. They ventured into the midst of the sick and dying on a mission to ‘heal the sick and preach the gospel’. Thus ‘Mildmay’ was founded.
What will you find at the Mildmay?
Mildmay specialises in the care of people at all stages of HIV infection – from initial diagnosis through to final phase. Also, as part of a new service development, they can admit people with chronic or progressive neurological, neuropathic, respiratory, cardiac and other illnesses. These may include, for instance, Parkinson’s disease, end-stage liver/renal failure, dementias and many others. They have already successfully rehabilitated a small number of patients with cognitive deficits, enabling them to return to independent living.
Mildmay are continuing to offer non-HIV care on a case-by-case basis so as to ensure compatibility between their skill mix and the identified needs of potential new patients. In addition to rehabilitation for cases other than HIV/AIDS, they can offer admission for symptom control and terminal care.
Mildmay have the expertise to treat a broad spectrum of patients with multiple complex needs: intensive physical and psychological rehabilitation after severe illness or hospitalisation, physical and cognitive disabilities and sensory impairment, stabilisation around neurological disease, mental health conditions (with onward referral if appropriate) and drug and alcohol issues. Complex family issues, psychosocial support and education around diagnosis, prognosis, medication and lifestyle. Also, complex social issues around immigration, isolation, relationships and stigma. Specialist input and support around nutrition, palliative care focusing on symptom control and emotional/spiritual support, adherence and problems relating to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and other medication, requiring the management of side-effects, the prompt treatment of any adverse drug reactions, monitoring, psychological support and education. HIV-related brain impairment conditions, including AIDS/HIV-1 associated dementia or HIV encephalopathy, progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML), HIV-related cerebrovascular episodes, brain abscesses and lymphoma acquired brain injury (not HIV-related).
The Mildmay seek to optimise their patients’ physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health through the input of a team of carers drawn from a range of disciplines. From, full-time medical consultant (specialist in internal, respiratory and HIV medicine, with experience in neurology). Ward doctors providing 24 hour cover, consultant psychiatrist providing regular input. Close links with consultant paediatricians from Great Ormond Street Hospital
nurses (trained in general health and mental health) giving round-the-clock care,
advanced nurse practitioner in rehabilitation and HRBI rehabilitation coordinator, The Mildmay also has nursery officers, counsellors and social care staff, a drug and alcohol worker, art therapist, chaplains, dietician, occupational therapists, physiotherapist, massage therapist, aromatherapist, speech therapist, clinical psychologist (supports the team and inputs to care plans). This interdisciplinary team is supported by trained volunteers and supplemented by other services as appropriate (such as dentistry and chiropody).
Care in partnership
Members of their interdisciplinary team work in close partnership with the patient, community services and others involved in the patient’s care. As a result the Mildmay can ensure that each patient is linked in to the appropriate external care and support services. Wherever possible, the aim is for a return to safe, independent living.
How to Refer
Referral procedures differ according to primary care trust (PCT), but are often the responsibility of clinical nurse specialists/care managers. (Mildmay cannot accept self-referrals.) Following authorisation of referral, The Mildmay can quickly arrange admission. To organise a prior visit, by contacting the relevant contact below. If you would like more information on the referral process for your area, the Mildmay will be happy to advise. Call their admissions office on (020) 7613 6347/6302.
REFERRAL CONTACTS SUMMARY
For adult/family residential admissions - Tel: (020) 7613 6347/6302
Email
admissions@mildmay.org.uk
Day care (including generic HIV/AIDS) - Tel: (020) 7613 6345 - Email
daycare@mildmay.org.uk
Day rehabilitation (including specialist HRBI) - Tel: (020) 7613 6300/bleep 16 Email
vickyhickson@mildmay.org.uk
Nursery places - Tel: (020) 7613 6346 Email
nursery@mildmay.org.uk
Mildmay International
Mildmay International’s mission is to improve the quality of life of adults and children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, primarily in resource-limited countries and communities. Mildmay International work with in-country partners to empower healthcare providers to respond more effectively to the challenges of HIV/AIDS. Their team has exceptional experience in innovative, culturally sensitive training programmes and holistic models of care - using evidence-based best practice. Mildmay aim to strengthen existing HIV/AIDS provision through training, or create appropriate new services, in partnership with local government or NGO bodies - to help scale up access to good quality holistic care.
Mildmay’s International operation is becoming increasingly strong in sub-Saharan Africa, with centres in Uganda and Zimbabwe created with the support of each country’s ministry of health. With appropriate funding, they hope to culturally adapt the Mildmay model for many other countries.
The Mildmay Hospital. Hackney Road, London E2 7NA
Tel: 020 76136300. Fax: 020 77295361.
Email:
postroom@mildmay.org.uk
Website:
www.mildmay.org.uk
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Waverley Care Milestone
We take a look at the Waverley Care Milestone, a recently established respite centre that has been providing an important service provision since 2001. Waverley Care Milestone is part of the Waverley Care that was founded in 1989 as a direct response to the HIV epidemic in Lothian. Over the following years their services have changed and developed to reflect the changing needs of service users.
What will I find at Waverley Care Milestone?
The new residential service offered at Waverley Care Milestone opened its doors in September 2001. The respite service has been created to offer short to medium term care for up to eight service users at any one time. This model of care was designed to offer support to both people living with HIV and their carers. It aims to be supportive and life enhancing for people in a variety of ways using groupwork as the main focus of work.
The unit offers: Practical help and support with all aspects of personal care and well-being, support around personal relationships and assistance in trying to resolve outstanding issues, access to information, advice, counselling and other Waverley Care services including arts, day care and pastoral care, health education and health promotion support and advice, support around combination therapy, adherence and long-term maintenance issues, monitoring of health care needs and provision of appropriate medical care, liaison with other health and social care professionals.
The unit accepts referrals from social workers, health and other professionals for service users normally resident in the Lothians. All people being admitted to Waverley Care Milestone have a continuing care plan and are assessed accordingly; this includes a financial assessment carried out by social work staff. Charges will vary according to the financial status of individuals. Enquiries are welcome from people outside Scotland.
Waverley Care exists to promote the welfare of HIV positive people and people with AIDS in Scotland, and support their relatives, carers and dependants and has a number of other services available for those ‘Living with HIV’.
Other Services
Waverley Care offers a number of HIV service provisions other than their respite centre, including the following; Waverley Care Buddy Service, Waverley Care Day Care Service, Waverley Care Solas, an HlV Support and Drop-in Centre. For further information on Waverley Care and the extensive services they offer you can contact them at the below address. Alternatively why not visit their extensive and informative website.
Waverley Care Milestone. 113 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh EH14 1EB.
Tel: 0131 441 6989 Fax: 0131 441 6989
Email:
milestone@waverleycare.org
Website:
www.waverleycare.org
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