Caring for an elderly relative is one of the most rewarding roles anyone can take on, and also one of the most demanding. Every carer needs a proper break now and then, and respite care exists to make that possible without compromising the quality of care your loved one receives. At Avon Park, a 28-bed residential care home in Park Gate, we offer short stays in a home-from-home for older people who usually live independently or with family. This guide explains how our respite care works, what a stay includes, and how to arrange one for someone you care about.
What is respite care at Avon Park?
Respite care is short-term care for an older person who needs support while their usual carer takes a break. Stays can last anything from a few days to a few weeks, and guests receive exactly the same standard of care as our permanent residents. The service is designed for people over 55 who need help with daily living but do not require dementia care, and it suits a wide range of situations, from recovery after an operation to a planned holiday for the family. You can read more about our
short-term respite care service on the main service page, or browse our
respite care in Southampton pages for the local picture.
What does a short stay include?
Every guest at Avon Park has their own private bedroom with an en-suite, which they are welcome to personalise with their own belongings, pictures and flowers so it feels like home. The room comes fully equipped with a wardrobe, a made-up bed, a television and a private phone line, and we provide towels and bedding. Beyond the room itself, a stay includes:
- Three freshly prepared meals a day, plus refreshments, with special dietary requirements agreed in advance. Our chef cooks on site, and families are always welcome to join guests for a meal.
- Laundry services, so guests do not need to worry about washing during their stay.
- Full use of all communal areas and facilities, including our lounges and gardens.
- A full programme of entertainment, social activities and local outings, which guests are encouraged to join. You can see the range of what we offer on our activities page.
- Personal care and support from our trained team, who are on hand day and night. Where a guest has existing health or mobility needs, our staff will liaise with their healthcare professional so the care plan is right from day one.
The benefits of respite care for the whole family
Respite care does two jobs at once. It gives the carer a genuine rest, and it gives the guest a change of scene that many older people genuinely enjoy. For the carer, a proper break means returning to the role refreshed rather than running on empty, which is better for everyone. For the guest, a short stay is a chance to make new friends, join in with activities, and enjoy company and conversation without the pressure of household responsibilities.
The NHS recognises how important these breaks are, and its guidance on
carers’ breaks and respite care is a helpful starting point for any family thinking about arranging one. Many families find that a trial stay also works as a gentle way to test whether full-time residential care might be the right long-term option.
Who is respite care for?
Respite care suits several different situations. It is ideal for a family carer planning a holiday, recovering from their own illness, or simply needing regular time off. It also works well for an older person coming home from hospital who needs extra support while they regain their strength, or for someone who has recently had surgery and needs a little more help than usual.
It is also a sensible option for families who are considering residential care but are not yet ready to make the decision. A short stay lets your loved one experience daily life in the home, meet the team and settle in at their own pace. Many of our respite guests have gone on to become permanent residents because they enjoyed their stay so much. For anyone weighing this up, our
residential care pages explain what permanent care involves.
Why families choose Avon Park for respite care
Avon Park has been providing residential and respite care in the Southampton area for over 35 years, and our home is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission in every category. We are a smaller home than many, with just 28 beds, which means residents and guests are known by name and care is genuinely personal. Our
CQC report is available to view online.
Location matters too. We sit at 66 Southampton Road in Park Gate, on the border between Southampton and Portsmouth, so we are easy to reach from Fareham, Winchester, Locks Heath, Warsash and Titchfield. That makes visiting straightforward for family members, who are always welcome at any time during a guest’s stay. Families often join us for mealtimes, outings and activities, so a short stay never feels like being cut off from loved ones.
How to arrange a respite stay
The first step is simply to get in touch. We will talk through your loved one’s needs, discuss availability, and arrange a visit so you can see the home for yourself before making any decision. Call us on 01489 574616 or use our
contact page and we will take it from there.
Respite care fees vary depending on the level of care needed, the accommodation chosen and the length of the stay. A financial assessment will give you a clear picture of the costs, and care is available for privately funded guests and for social services arrangements with a top-up. Because availability can change through the year, it is best to contact us well in advance of when you need the stay. Guests are welcome to stay more than once a year when space allows.
We can also help with emergency respite care at short notice, such as after a sudden hospital discharge or an unexpected change in circumstances. If you need support sooner rather than later, call us and we will do everything we can to help.
What to bring for a short stay
Each room is fully equipped, but guests should bring their own clothes, nightwear, slippers and toiletries, any prescribed medication, and personal items such as books, photos and small belongings to make the room feel familiar. Our team can provide a more detailed checklist when you book, and we are happy to answer any questions about what to pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the CQC rating for Avon Park Care Home?
If you click on the CQC widget, you will be taken to the official CQC website, where you can read the summary or full report from our latest inspection.
Q: Can I personalise my room at Avon Park?
Yes. We actively encourage residents to bring their own furniture, pictures, and personal belongings to make their room feel like home. All rooms include private en-suite facilities.
Q: Are families welcome to visit and join meals?
Absolutely. Families are always welcome to visit at any time and are invited to join their loved ones for meals. Many families tell us they feel as much at home here as their relatives do.
Q: What activities are available at Avon Park?
We offer a wide range of activities including bingo, art classes, cookery lessons, gentle exercise, shopping trips, bar lunches, and community outings. Activities are optional and tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Q: Where is Avon Park located?
We are located at 66 Southampton Road, Park Gate, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 6AF, on the border between Southampton and Portsmouth with easy access from the M27
Arrange a Visit to Avon Park
The best way to see whether Avon Park is right for your loved one is to visit us in person. Call 01489 574616, email info@avonparkcarehome.co.uk or use our contact page to book a tour of the home. We will be happy to show you around, answer your questions and discuss respite care arrangements, whether you need a stay in the next few weeks or are simply planning ahead.