For many people with elderly parents or relatives, Covid has added extra pressures to their caring responsibilities. Carers UK have highlighted the impact reduced services are having on unpaid carers at this time – nearly two thirds (63%) expressing worry about how they will continue to manage over winter. 74% said they are exhausted and worn out as a result of caring during the pandemic.

When families begin to consider care options for their loved ones, they immediately think about a care home providing residential or nursing care. But at Westward Care we have developed an alternative offer - self-contained Apartments with 24/7 on-site care and support if, or when, it's needed.

Our dedicated and friendly team work closely with residents and their families to put together a tailored package of care and support. So, if residents are independent enough to cook a meal for themselves, each Apartment has a fully equipped kitchen. Alternatively, our residents can opt for a full meals service alongside optional support with personal care, medication, washing, cleaning and laundry.

After a Settling In period of 14 days, during which our residents get a 1-2-1 package of visits from staff and room service, our residents can start to enjoy the company of other Apartment owners and the wide range of social activities on offer – such as day trips, visits from theatre companies (both Covid permitting!) and craft activities.

Despite Covid, we’ve continued to welcome new residents to the Apartments. In one instance, a married couple had bought an Apartment before lockdown - but then, one of them experienced an illness that left them partially paralysed and in need of nursing recovery in a specialist home. While the physiotherapy support improved her mobility, the months of being in a nursing room with no visits from family or friends led to a noticeable deterioration in both her health and mental well-being. So with the support of our team at Southlands Retirement Apartments – and their family, who were keen to get mum and dad back together - we were delighted to be able to recently welcome our two new residents to Southlands. The couple are so happy to be back together again and living in their new home - and the family are reassured that both mum and dad have the support of our care team at Southlands 24/7.

If your family are looking at options for later life, we have Apartments available in Roundhay and Headingley - and provide support not only to individuals but also to couples with different independence or care needs so they can continue to live their lives together.  
 
The self-contained Apartments are available now for purchase or short-term rental and in some instances shared ownership can be offered.

To find out more about the Apartment option with care and support on-site give our friendly team a call on 0113 331 4830.