Short stay at Kempenhaeghe: relief through respite care
Caring for a child or adult with epilepsy can be very intensive. The additional challenges, such as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, can make it even harder for you or your loved ones. A short stay at Kempenhaeghe can provide temporary relief for the family. When you are able to recharge, you are better able to provide care for a longer period.
We understand that you may hesitate to entrust the intensive care to others. At the Center for Epilepsy Residential Care at Kempenhaeghe, you will find the attention and care that is needed. The arrangements for the short stay are thoroughly prepared. This ensures that the guest receives the most appropriate care during their stay with us.
Short stay for children and adults
Children and adults with epilepsy, with or without additional medical or behavioral care needs, can stay with us. Children up to 18 years old stay in one of the units in Heeze. These residences are tailored to the care needs of the individuals, such as multiple disabilities that may require additional facilities. For adults (18+), we look for the most appropriate unit within the residential homes of the Center for Epilepsy Residential Care. This is accommodated within three different residential clusters at Kloostervelden, a particularly normal and low-traffic residential area in Sterksel. When a guest reaches adulthood, the short stay coordinator will consult with you to determine whether the transition from child care to adult care is possible, desirable, and appropriate.
In addition to expertise in epilepsy, Kempenhaeghe has knowledge in intellectual disabilities and related disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and ADHD. It may occur that the additional (non-epilepsy-related) care needs become too complex to be adequately addressed within respite care. This may result in respite care no longer being feasible.
Respite care conditions
In order to provide the appropriate care during a short stay, a guest must have a personal budget (PGB) and be under the care of a neurologist from the Academic Center for Epileptology at Kempenhaeghe. The prospective guest will receive an invitation for a brief clinical stay. This allows us to determine what care and supervision are required during the day and night for the stay. The treating neurologist, together with a behavioral specialist, will then assess whether a stay at the Center for Epilepsy Residential Care is possible.
Getting acquainted and making arrangements
If respite care is possible and there is space at the most suitable location, you will receive an invitation for an introductory meeting at this location. We warmly welcome you here and will review the details of the stay with you. The (practical) arrangements regarding the stay, such as the guest’s arrival and departure times, medication, and what to do if the guest becomes ill, can be found in our detailed brochure.
What we do in acute unforeseen situations
At Kempenhaeghe, a (pediatric) neurologist is available 24 hours a day for acute questions related to epilepsy. For acute behavioral questions, behavioral specialists are available within the Center for Epilepsy Residential Care, even outside office hours. During a short stay, no research or treatment takes place.
Interested in respite care at Kempenhaeghe?
Then contact the Care Service Bureau Epilepsy, Housing, and Well-being of the Center for Epilepsy Residential Care. You can email them at zorgservicebureau@kempenhaeghe.nl. You can also ask the treating neurologist or nursing specialist to refer you or your child or family member for admission. After receiving the referral, the Care Service Bureau will begin processing your registration.
