Aims of the service
92-96 Craw Wood, Tweedbank was purpose built to provide 24-hour care for older people with dementia. It offers a home from home environment that is both domestic and practical.

As well as being a long-term home for some residents, Craw Wood also provides short respite breaks, for example to give carers the chance to have a summer holiday, a weekend off or to have regular planned breaks, every few weeks.

Dementia is a long-term illness. People with dementia can require increasing levels of support and care in all areas of their lives. Caring for someone with dementia is a 24-hour job and can be exhausting. A break from the demands of looking after someone can have benefits for both the person and the carer.

A respite break can be a great help in coping with the pressures and can enable the person with dementia - and people who care for them - to manage in the longer term. It gives the carer a break from the daily demands of looking after someone, a chance to get away, time to recharge the batteries. It gives the person with dementia a change of environment with professional staff dedicated to making the experience a positive one.

Every effort is made to maintain the dignity and individuality of residents, recognising their rights to personal choice, expression, freedom and privacy.

Who can apply?
The respite service is for older people with dementia who live in the Scottish Borders and usually live at home with relatives.

What facilities and services are provided?
Craw Wood consists of three houses, each with its own living/dining room, kitchen, a large bathroom and toilet. They are grouped around a landscaped garden and there is a pleasant conservatory for the use of all residents.

•	All residents have their own bedroom with en-suite facilities in one of the three houses.
•	There is no set routine and residents can get up and go to bed whenever they choose and keep to their own routines. Staff members know each resident's preferences.
•	Staff members are well trained, experienced and qualified and, most of all, they are approachable and are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your relative's care.
•	Residents' interests are taken into consideration in arranging activities, outings and events.
•	The main kitchen provides a wide variety and choice of meals and each person's dietary needs are taken into account.
•	Residents can choose to have their laundry looked after by our laundry or by their own carer.
•	Residents who wish to smoke will be supervised to do so in the conservatory area.
•	There are no set visiting times, you are welcome to visit your relative at Craw Wood at any time. You can stay for tea if you wish and can take your relative out for lunch or coffee, etc.
•	Your relative will need day to day essentials including clothes, toiletries, medication and pocket money (for outings, etc.) for the duration of the stay. It is important that you bring enough of any required medication to last the whole time your relative is to stay at Craw Wood.
•	If your relative falls ill or needs to go into hospital whilst staying at Craw Wood his/her own doctor will be contacted and you will be notified straight away.

What will it cost?
This will depend on individual circumstances.Your Social Work Office should be able to help you with queries about costs and your eligibility for the Respite Service.

How to obtain more information
Speak to the Doctor, Social Worker, Community Nurse, Psychiatrist or other professional involved with your relative. They should be able to tell you more about the service and if it could help.

Alternatively contact the Community Care Manager at our Galashiels office.

For more information on how to contact Eildon, please click here.