Short stay and respite care in Fritham, New Forest

For families looking after an elderly loved one in their own home, whilst it’s a commitment that is gladly and unconditionally accepted, it can also at times be mentally, emotionally and physically draining. Available on a flexible basis, from a matter of days to a number of weeks, short stay care in a nursing home offers a valuable opportunity for home carers to re-charge their batteries.

It also provides the chance for the individual to be looked after and assessed for a period of time by highly qualified nursing staff. Professional respite care often brings to light latent or developing conditions and issues that home carers may have missed, enabling remedial intervention from the care home’s visiting GP. Flexible short stay care packages are offered by New Forest Nursing Home, a 43-bedroom care home in a converted historic country house in the village of Fritham, near Stoney Cross.

 

New Forest Nursing Home entrance on sunny day

What is short stay and respite care?

Caring for a loved one at home is often more than a full-time job – it can be a 24/7 commitment. Short stay care enables home carers to hand over their responsibilities to the highly qualified healthcare staff at a local nursing home. This may be for under a week or for periods exceeding a month. Respite care can also provide a valuable opportunity for an individual to enjoy a change of scene, meet new friends and participate in the activities on offer at the care home.
 

Respite care at New Forest Nursing Home

At first glance, the easeful ambience of New Forest Nursing Home resembles that of a country house hotel. With eight acres of beautiful grounds in Fritham and a backdrop of mature trees, its secluded location is a haven for wildlife and an oasis of tranquillity.

Whilst the home retains its charming period features and character, it has been extensively modernised and equipped to meet complex senior care needs. Under the expert guidance of Registered Manager Helen Chapman, residents benefit from professional care day and night.

New Forest Nursing Home exterior on a sunny day

A modern, well-equipped care home in sleepy Fritham

Less than ten minutes from Junction 1 of the M27, it’s hard to believe how quiet and secluded it is at New Forest Nursing Home. Modernised with features such as a passenger lift, Parker bath and specialised lifting equipment, the home has been appointed to the highest specifications to provide a safe, secure environment for senior care.

Safety lighting, handrails, nurse call systems and a host of other features have been seamlessly woven into the fabric of the building.
 

elderly man sitting in an armchair leaning on a stick laughing

Building confidence and maintaining independence  

The goal of short stay care is not only a rest for the individual and their carers, but also a renewal and refocusing of purpose. Whilst home care establishes a comfort zone for an elderly person, respite care can provide a much-needed reinvigoration and rediscovery of their independence. Short stay residents are welcomed into the care home and encouraged to participate in the daily activities and community, building their confidence and empowering their sense of self.
 

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As many home carers will testify, it’s often a 24/7 commitment. At New Forest Nursing Home, highly qualified nursing staff work on shift rotas, so they’re always alert and on hand to assist at any time of the day or night. The care team have extensive nursing experience – many having previously worked in NHS hospitals – and they bring that expertise to bear with kindness and compassion. With continuous professional development and ongoing assessment, exceptionally high care standards are maintained at all times.

dining room in a nursing home with a laid table and four chairs and a feature wall with a bookshelf

A fresh, nutritious menu to support everyday activities

Food is high on the list of many short stay residents’ concerns when they arrive at New Forest Nursing Home. Comfortable with the home cooking provided by their family or carers, the prospect of eating in a care home can be a worry. 

Invariably these fears are quickly allayed, with all meals freshly prepared from local ingredients from the New Forest and surrounding areas wherever possible and served with pride in the oak-panelled dining room, the resident’s own bedroom or the private dining room, where family and friends can be entertained.
 

living room in nursing home with blue chairs and wooden tables and light beaming through a window

A home-from-home at New Forest Nursing Home

A respite stay at New Forest Nursing Home is more than just time out for the individual and their home carers. It’s a short break in an elegant country house with beautifully appointed bedrooms, luxurious en-suite bathrooms and mature gardens.

With other short stay visitors and longer-term residents to meet, there’s a warm, welcoming sense of community and the chance to make new friends. Better still, a programme of activities and excursions ensure there’s plenty to do and enjoy.