Home-Like Respite Care Facility Reopens After Pandemic Shutdown for Overnight Stays for Adults Living With Early to Mid-Stage Dementia
OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 17, 2022 – Respite House at Perley Health is now open for overnight stays for adults living with early to mid-stage dementia, it was announced today. Overnight care returns to the home-like respite care facility for the first time since the pandemic forced its closure in 2020.
Respite House at Perley Health provides safe, compassionate and accessible care for adults living with early to mid-stage dementia and also benefits their caregivers by giving them the time to relax and recharge.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this much needed overnight care after such a long pause,” explains Akos Hoffer, Perley Health CEO. “It’s part of our mission to go beyond healthcare to meet the unique needs of our community and help our Seniors and Veterans thrive in a place they can call home.”
The reopening for overnight stays is very welcome news for caregivers who, on average, spend 26 hours each week providing care to their loved ones. “I was her primary caregiver for three years, throughout the pandemic, so Respite House at Perley Health provides stimulation and a break for her, and a break for me as well,” explains John who is the husband of a guest.
Perley Health partners with Carefor Health & Community Services to provide an experienced and capable service team to enhance the strengths and abilities of each visitor through social, emotional and physical support. Care is provided in English and French.
Respite House at Perley Health is a purpose-built 12-bedroom bungalow with comfortable and safe common areas. It provides spacious areas for relaxing indoors and outside, and a variety of activities to help guests socialize or quietly rest during their stay.
Each guest has a private room with an ensuite bathroom and a shower, and hot meals and regular snacks are provided throughout the day.
One bed is reserved for Veterans’ use, in recognition of Perley Health’s long history of providing care to Veterans, and with the support of Veterans Affairs Canada.
No referral is required to stay at Respite House at Perley Health, but guests must complete an assessment process prior to visiting and a daytime short stay is required in advance of an overnight booking.
Recently renamed, Respite House at Perley Health was originally known as the Guest House, had been providing much needed respite care since 2007 until its closure during the pandemic.
“Twenty years ago, our community recognized a need to support people living with dementia and their caregivers and family with respite services,” explains Steve Perry, CEO, Carefor Health & Community Services, “Perley Health, Carefor and the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County raised funds and together built Respite House at Perley Health to meet this need.”
“Since the pandemic began, people living with dementia have experienced distressing social isolation while the unrelenting demands on caregivers have been extremely challenging,” says Wendy Grimshaw, CEO, The Dementia Society. “Our clients look forward to the reopening of this important service in our community.”
Members of the public can find out more by visiting: Respite House at Perley Health.
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