Revitalise, the national charity providing respite holidays for disabled people and their carers, is hosting tailored holidays for people with Alzheimer’s, Dementia and their companions. 

Treasured Moments holidays, commencing on the 26 September 2022, aim to help carers and those struggling with Alzheimer’s and dementia help create special memories together. The holiday consists of a 7-night stay, starting on Monday, with a team offering nurse-led care and support to those who are struggling, and their carers, so guests get a well-deserved break. 

All centres are fully accessible with specialised facilities and equipment, catering for guests’ needs, including hoists, profiling beds, airflow mattresses and bariatric beds, as well as offering a full-board dining service including cooked breakfasts, lunch and three-course dinners, so guests can truly relax.

Revitalise has two centres in Southport and Chigwell, with a third centre currently being redeveloped. The group provides residential respite care with a focus on providing guests with a proper holiday, catering for all adults with a variety of special needs and disabilities and their carers. The treasured moments holiday also has a welcome reception and dinner for companions, so carers can socialise with like-minded people who have shared experiences.

Jean and her husband Jon have been visiting the Sandpipers centre around ten times since 2016 – Jon has vascular dementia and Jean has been his carer for twelve years.  “By the end of the first day, I felt like part of the Sandpipers family,” she said. “There’s no way Jon could voice his opinion, but he’s very smiley and you can see it on his face when the volunteers chat with him. I know he loves it.

“If Revitalise stopped doing these holidays, it would have a huge impact on me as a carer. After one break ends, I’m always counting down to the next one.” 

Deborah Auty, head of communications at Revitalise, said: “We recognise that those suffering with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and their companions, have been especially affected by the pandemic and that trying to take a break can be particularly difficult and stressful, leaving this group feeling lonely and isolated. That’s why we are so excited to re-launch our Treasured Moments holidays again, to help give this group the much-needed break that they truly deserve, and to socialise with others who understand and relate to their experiences.

“Everyone deserves access to regular respite care, it is vital in reducing burnout and stress which affects both the carer and those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our holidays offer so much more than just basic support, we offer 24/7 nurse-led care as well as access to a range of activities and opportunities to go on trips and relax. We are so proud of the care and the support that we provide and want all our guests to enjoy themselves whilst on their stay with us.”

Jubilee Lodge in Chigwell, Essex is located on the edge of Epping Forest and has an entertainment and bar area for those who enjoy socialising, plus a tranquil inner courtyard with an ornamental pond.

Sandpipers, situated next to Southport’s Marine Lake, allows holidaymakers to explore the traditional seaside town of Southport and features a fully-accessible, heated indoor hydrotherapy pool.