Supporting individuals and carers in our communities
To give back to the incredible individuals and carers in our local communities, we’re offering a free two-week respite stay for adults living with Huntington’s disease (HD) and motor neurone disease (MND).
Many people we’ve supported for short stays told us they were worried about staying in a care home before coming to us, often causing them to worry about longer-term care options.
This free two-week stay gives people the chance to experience life in a care home, in a welcoming and supportive environment, helping to ease any concerns about future care.
It also gives loved ones and carers time to rest and recharge, knowing their family member is being well cared for.
If you’re an individual living with HD or MND, a family member, or a professional supporting someone with these conditions, get in touch to enquire about a respite stay.
Call: 01709 565777
Email: referrals@exemplarhc.com
Helping people live fulfilling lives
At Exemplar Health Care, we believe everyone deserves not just care, but a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Our approach goes beyond clinical care; we support all aspects of a person’s life, including their emotional, mental, physical, social, sexual, and spiritual wellbeing.
Focusing on what matters most to them, we aim to help individuals maintain their independence, enjoy their hobbies, and live life to the fullest.
Our homes are designed to feel homely and welcoming, so people feel comfortable and supported, while staying connected to their family, friends, and local community.
Short-stay care breaks with nursing support
During a respite stay, people are supported 24/7 by a highly skilled, nurse-led team.
We tailor our staffing levels to each individual’s needs, ensuring they get the right level of care and support while continuing to enjoy their interests, try new hobbies, and live life their way.
With a team of general, mental health, and learning disability nurses, we offer an integrated level of support that many other providers can’t - including care for people who need clinical interventions such as catheters, PEGs, and tracheostomies.
How to access a free two-week respite stay
Between March and September 2025, adults living with HD or MND can access a free two-week respite stay at one of our care homes.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way, answer any questions, and make the process as easy as possible.
With over 55 care homes across England, we’ll always aim to find a home as close as possible to the individual and their loved ones.
Respite stays are subject to assessment, availability, and suitability, so they may not be available in every home. If the closest home isn’t available, we’ll work with you to explore other options.
FAQs about respite care
Who can enquire about respite?
Enquiries can be made by:
individuals living with HD or MND
their family members, friends, and advocates
professionals supporting people living with HD or MND.
Referrals do not need to come through a funding organisation.
Can the two weeks be split across different months, for example, one week in May and one week in June?
No, the stay must be for two consecutive weeks. This ensures we can provide the best care, including assessments, care planning, and staffing.
Is respite available in all Exemplar Health Care homes?
Respite stays are subject to assessment, availability, and suitability, so they may not be available in every home.
If the closest home isn’t available or suitable, we’ll work with individuals and professionals to explore other options.
Do people need to live in areas where homes are already located?
We understand how important family relationships are to the people we support, so most respite enquiries come from those living near our homes.
However, we also welcome enquiries from people outside the local area and will assist with travel arrangements where possible.
How soon can a respite stay be arranged?
Respite stays can be arranged at least four weeks in advance.
This allows us time for a full assessment, care planning, and any required training.
When is the two-week free respite stay available until?
The two-week free respite stay is available until Friday 5 September 2025 (subject to review).
Is the free two-week respite stay available for people living with other conditions?
The free two-week respite stay is for adults living with a primary HD or MND diagnosis.
To discuss other respite enquiries, please contact our Referrals Team.
Why is Exemplar Health Care offering this free two-week stay?
We’ve recently supported several people with HD and MND on respite stays, and many shared that, before staying with us, they had concerns about what care homes might be like.
These perceptions often caused worry when thinking about longer-term care options.
This free two-week stay gives people the opportunity to experience life in a care home, in a welcoming and supportive environment, helping to ease any concerns they may have about future care.
We also hope it provides loved ones and carers with the chance to rest and recharge, knowing their family member is being well looked after.
What expertise does Exemplar Health Care have in caring for people with Huntington’s disease?
People are supported by highly trained, nurse-led teams, who are experienced in Huntington’s disease care.
Our dedicated HD Lead Nurse, Joanna McCabe, offers specialist advice, guidance, and training for individuals, families, and colleagues, ensuring the best possible support.
We also invest in specialist training for our teams and families receive ongoing support to help navigate every step of the journey.
We’re proud that three of our care homes are ‘Quality Assured’ by the Huntington’s Disease Association, recognising our commitment to exceptional care.
What type of care does Exemplar Health Care provide?
Exemplar Health Care provides nurse-led care for adults living with complex needs arising from neurological conditions, dementia, mental health conditions, and physical disabilities.
Many of the people we support have multiple diagnoses and/or co-morbidities, including cognitive impairments, dysphagia, mobility and movement impairments, and respiratory conditions.
Our team includes general, mental health, and learning disability nurses, which allows us to provide an integrated level of support that many other providers and specialist units are unable to offer – including care for individuals who need clinical interventions such as catheters, PEG tubes, tracheostomies, and ventilators.
What HD training do colleagues complete?
All colleagues undertake comprehensive eLearning as a minimum, developed in collaboration with our HD Nurse Consultant.
Colleagues supporting individuals living with HD also receive face-to-face training, delivered either by our HD Nurse Consultant, Joanna McCabe, or their local Huntington's Disease Association (HDA) Specialist Advisor.
Additionally, many of our management and nursing colleagues have completed the HDA’s three-day professionals’ course.
How do you ensure a care home is the right fit for someone?
We carry out a comprehensive clinical assessment, covering 16 areas of care, alongside a community-fit assessment to ensure the individual and the care home are the right match.
Each assessment is person-centred - we start with zero hours and build in the exact time needed to meet the person’s individual needs and goals.
This assessment helps us determine staffing levels and training requirements, ensuring people receive the right support in all aspects of their life.
Huntington’s disease care
Specialist care with nurse-led support, tailored therapies, and a person-centred approach to help people live well with Huntington’s.
Find a care home
Over 55 care homes across England, supporting adults with complex needs to live close to family and friends.
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