Respite, Convalescent & Rehabilitation Care in South Devon
There are times when a little extra care can make all the difference – recovering after a hospital stay, rehabilitating after an operation, or simply giving a family carer the chance to rest.
At South Devon Care Services, we welcome residents for short-term respite, convalescent and rehabilitation stays across our three residential care homes – Ogwell Grange, Ridgecourt and The Grange. Because every one of our homes provides full, round-the-clock personal care from a qualified team, a stay with us means every part of daily life is looked after, so rehabilitation and recovery can be the only focus.
Who Is This Care For?
A short residential stay can be the right choice for a number of reasons:
– Recovering after hospital – if you’re not quite ready to manage fully at home following an illness, a fall or an operation, we can provide the structured support needed to rebuild strength and confidence before returning home.
– Rehabilitation after surgery or illness – if regaining mobility, strength or independence is the goal, our team can support your rehabilitation with physiotherapy support alongside full personal care.
– Giving a family carer a break – a respite stay means your loved one is looked after with the same warmth and attentiveness you would give yourself, while you take some well-deserved time to rest.
– A trial stay – some families use a short respite stay as a gentle, low-pressure way to experience one of our homes, ahead of a future move to full-time residential care.
Wherever you’re starting from, our team will work with you to understand exactly what support is needed and build a care plan around it.
What to Expect During Your Stay
Every respite, convalescent and rehabilitation guest has their own comfortable private room, home-cooked meals prepared daily by our kitchen team, and full access to the lounges, gardens and activities that make our homes such warm places to be.
Because our residential homes provide full personal care as standard, there’s no need to arrange anything separately – our team is on hand day and night for washing, dressing, medication support and any other help that’s needed, exactly as it would be for any of our permanent residents. GPs from local surgeries are on call for our residents, and we can also facilitate physiotherapy and liaise with other health professionals on your behalf. Visiting hairdressers, chiropodists, dentists and opticians call regularly too.
Support with Rehabilitation
If you’re rehabilitating after surgery, a stroke or a spell of illness, our team will build your stay around your rehabilitation goals – whether that’s regaining mobility, rebuilding confidence, or simply having the time and support to heal properly before returning home. We can facilitate physiotherapy sessions as part of your rehabilitation plan and keep in touch with the health professionals already involved in your care.
For anyone recovering from a fall, an illness that’s affected their confidence, or living with a degree of memory loss, our homes offer a safe, secure and supervised environment – reassuring for both residents and their families during what can be an unsettling time.
How Long Can I Stay?
We recommend a minimum stay of one week, and ideally one to two weeks, which gives most people the time they need to rest, recover and regain their confidence. For convalescent stays following surgery or illness, length of stay is discussed individually and reviewed as recovery progresses. Get in touch to talk through what would suit you or your loved one best.
Frequently Asked Questions: Respite, Convalescent & Rehabilitation Care
What's the difference between respite care, convalescent care and rehabilitation care?
Respite care is a short stay for anyone who would benefit from a supported break – whether that’s recovering from an illness or giving a family carer time to rest. Convalescent and rehabilitation care are aimed specifically at those recovering their strength, mobility and independence after surgery, a stroke or a significant illness, with the goal of returning home, or moving into longer-term residential care if that turns out to be the better option.
Do you offer rehabilitation care after surgery or a stroke?
Yes. We support residents through rehabilitation following surgery, a stroke or a period of illness, combining full personal care with facilitated physiotherapy so residents have the time, structure and support to regain strength and confidence at their own pace.
Is full personal care included during a respite or rehabilitation stay?
Yes. Unlike some short-stay options, our residential homes provide full personal care as standard – washing, dressing, medication support and any other day-to-day help is included, not arranged separately.
How is respite care in one of your residential homes different from respite care in supported living?
Our residential homes provide full, hands-on personal care with staff on site 24 hours a day, in a secure environment – ideal for anyone who needs a higher level of support during their recovery. Our supported living homes offer a lighter touch, with residents managing more independently and support available on call. If you’re not sure which is the better fit, our team is happy to talk it through, or you can read about respite care in our supported living homes.
Can you arrange physiotherapy as part of my rehabilitation?
Yes. We can facilitate physiotherapy during your stay as part of your rehabilitation and liaise with the relevant services on your behalf.
Is it a safe environment for someone recovering from a fall or living with memory loss?
Yes. Our homes are designed to be safe and secure, with staff on hand at all times, making them a reassuring setting for anyone whose confidence or memory has been affected by illness or a fall.
What's included in the weekly fee?
Your weekly fee covers your room, all meals and refreshments, full personal care, medication support, laundry and housekeeping, utility bills and council tax, and access to our full programme of activities and events. Additional charges may apply for services such as hairdressing, chiropody and physiotherapy.
What is the minimum length of stay?
We recommend a minimum of one week, and ideally one to two weeks. For convalescent stays, length of stay is discussed on an individual basis.
Can a respite stay lead to a permanent place?
Yes, if that’s what you’d like. Many families use a respite or convalescent stay to see whether one of our homes feels right, and we’re always happy to discuss a longer-term move if and when the time is right. Residents already staying with us are given first priority for permanent rooms.
How do I arrange a stay?
Simply contact us and our team will talk you through availability, carry out an assessment, and help you find the right home and timing for your needs.