The Respite and Response service supports people who have a life limiting illness to be cared for and to die at home if that is their choice. It also aims to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital, providing respite and support at a difficult time.

The respite aspect of the service provides much needed support to carers and enables them to address to their own needs, connect with their community and friends, attend to their own health, well-being needs and reduce feelings of isolation.  A senior experienced, specialist palliative care assistant will visit and support your loved one whilst you take time out from the demands of your caring role.

As lockdown measures reduce we are delighted to be able to offer respite again. Please contact your named hospice SPCN, GP, District Nurse or hospital health professional to make a referral on your behalf, or telephone 01292 269200 for further information on how to access this service.

Our respite and response service offers support to patients and carers at home.  The team recognise that carers need the opportunity to take a break if they are to be able to continue in their caring role and our team of care assistants give them the chance to do just that. We care for both the patient and their carer.

The service aims to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital, provides respite or support to carers at a time of crisis, and allows patients and their families' options about their choices and wishes at end of life.

In 2013, the service was awarded a four year grant of £463,270 from the Big Lottery Fund allowing us to significantly extend the care we offer, to include patients and carers from across the whole of Ayrshire. And, in March 2019, funding of £351,424 was awarded by the Big Lottery Fund to extend the service by a further three years.