Vitalise
Hi, I am a new member. I have been caring for my OH for 3 years.
We went to the Sandpipers Vitalise Centre in Southport in July/August 2013 for the first time and then this March for the second time. We chose this one as it's the furthest away from London so would feel like a proper holiday. The Alzheimer's weeks are subsidised so aren't as expensive as the other weeks but still quite pricey in my opinion. You're also only allowed to go on those three weeks and they aren't the weeks I would choose if I had the option. One is always in middle of January, one in early spring (March) and one later in the year. This year the next one is end of September.
Once you book you get a form to fill in and your GP has to confirm the medical condition as well. They do call you a few weeks before with more questions as to what care he will need while there.
My OH is still very sprightly and does not need hoists or a wheelchair but he does suffer from incontinence and that is catered for very well there. You can press the call button any time of day or night if you need help, there are nurses on call constantly. There are lots of young volunteers from all over the world and most of them are absolutely delightful. You get a programme for the week which you can take part in but don't have to and there are daily excursions, some as far as to the Lake District. Each couple is assigned a volunteer for every outing. The trips vary - some like Liverpool, Knowles Safari Park or Lake Windermere are great, others like Dobbie's Garden World or an antiques and collectables centre could happily be ignored.
There is a carer's evening on Tuesday night where the carers get taken to a local restaurant and all the staff and volunteers look after your OH's back at the Centre. Sadly you have to pay for the food yourself but it's always a nice occasion.
There is entertainment going on every night, whether it's quizzes, bingo, karaoke, dancers or a man coming round with animals (anything from rabbits, meerkats, chicks and skunks to snakes).
Friday is always Gala night where the chef pulls out all the stops with a three-couse meal. You get breakfast and lunch as well at the Centre or a packed sandwich lunch if you are going on a trip. There are films put on at 4pm every day or a tea dance. You can always make your own programme though and go into town or the nearest park - they will always give you a volunteer to accompany you if you so wish.
You can also book a massage, facial or haircut during the trip which is then done on a particular day - to be honest, you have to stay on top of that, sign up very early and then make sure what day and time your appointment is going to be or you will miss it. Most treatments are usually on a Friday which is just as well because by Friday you will be so tired from the week that all you want is stay in and relax. The treatments are lovely though and very reasonably priced.
Sandpipers also have a lovely warm indoors swimming pool but it's a bit difficult to find a time where there is no kiddies class in it as they hire it out for different classes throughout the week.
To be honest, a lot of the organisation can be a little chaotic and hit and miss and if for example you have a tea/coffee making facility in your room, you have to remind them to refill it! The whole thing is set up a little like a nursing home - almost everyone has their own single room, there are call buttons and adjustable beds plus walk-in showers (more like a wet room). Room doors are usually kept unlocked but you can ask for keys at reception. I certainly kept my door locked! Staff are required to knock before they enter but I had occasions where they just burst in. So if you are hankering after total privacy, this isn't for you. The whole set-up can feel a little intrusive and sometimes I just wanted to go back to my room and watch Eastenders but it felt kind of spoilsporty.
You have to remember that Vitalise is a charity and they are trying to raise money during the week, mainly through their bar in the evening or small things like charging 50p per bingo sheet. You can win in those games too of course! I came home with a door stop and a £3 Tesco voucher...
I'd like to try the Centre in Southampton because the area is lovely but I am not sure yet whether we will be going this September. All the activities made me feel very tired and I could have done with a week of relaxing afterwards! These holidays are best if your OH needs a lot of nursing help because they can really take care of that, get him up, help with the eating and the medication taking, get him to bed at night....
They do have a daily laundry service which is invaluable. You leave the laundry in the basket in the morning and you have it back washed and ironed by the afternoon.
If you have any more questions, please do ask. I can go on a bit but that doesn't mean I am coherent all the time.