'Parents on their knees' due to demand on respite services

Manx Care discusses challenges facing carers and Hollydene unit

Manx Care says family carers on the Isle of Man need more support.

It's after recent figures showed a stark increase in demand on the Island's only respite care unit for adults with learning difficulties.

Some families have been 'stood down' at the last minute due to the lack of available beds at Hollydene in Radcliffe Villas in Douglas.

A strategy is being developed, with the help of Crossroads Carers, to improve the experience of carers on the Isle of Man.

Services and support for family carers on the Island is said to be '15-20 years' behind that of the UK.

'We need to listen a bit more to carers who are receiving that respite care and be mindful of the impact on them if we do have to cancel.'

David Hamilton, the Interim Director of Social Care, Safeguarding and Mental Health, has been speaking to Manx Radio:

'That one night a week that you get a break, it's the only time you can guarantee to sleep through.'

John Shepperd, a family carer on the Isle of Man, explained to Manx Radio just how vital respite services are - and says Manx Care is the 'light at the end of the tunnel':

Meanwhile, there are plans in place to re-develop Radcliffe Villas by creating a new purpose-built respite centre and demolishing the current facility once it's in place.

But charity, Manx Mencap, believes the current building should be retained and re-purposed into an independent living facility.

'Parents, I would imagine, are on their knees.'

Fran Tinkler, Manx Mencap's Health Coordinator, spoke to Manx Radio about pressures at Hollydene and where they see the future of respite services:

Manx Radio has contacted the Department of Health and Social Care to comment on plans for the redevelopment at Radcliffe Villas.