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Respite Care in Plymouth

Anyone considering using our Day or Respite Care services in Plymouth can be assured that the level of care is exactly the same as that offered to anyone living permanently at Wisteria House.  We focus on relationship care which we believe to be a very important part of our role as providers, responding to an individual’s needs and emotional well being at any given moment in time. We feel that it is very important that stress levels are kept to a minimum, equally it’s important that each individual is stimulated, does not get bored throughout the day and has many quality of life moments.

Our main requirement for anyone wishing to use our Day Service is that they attend for at least seven hours a week, this will ensure that we get to know them and importantly, they get to know us, this could be one full day or two half days. We are able to care for our ‘regulars’ for shorter periods of time, perhaps when their carer needs to attend a hospital appointment, may want to attend church on Sunday, or may have been invited for a meal with friends or just like a few hours to themselves.

Staff with Man
Woman cuddling dog
Man with funny glasses
Ladies sipping milkshakes

We also offer full respite care in Plymouth for those living with dementia when their main care giver needs to stay in hospital, are very poorly at home, or just needs a break.

We are able to provide a weekly hairdressing service, an optician and chiropodist are also available on request, all at a small additional cost. We are able to assist with bathing, showering and shaving, this is included in our fees.

Terms for Day Service

Wisteria House is governed and regulated by the Care Quality Commission CQC who inspects the level of care provided for the people living in our home; please see our excellent inspection reports. Our Day Service is not governed by CQC; however we believe it is important that the people using our Day Service are equally protected.  For the safety and comfort of all concerned any individual who wishes to use our Day Service must go through our admission criteria, they will be assessed by a senior member of the staff team. Please contact the registered manager of the home you would like to visit. We do not have an ‘age’ criteria, but our home is designed for the care of the elderly, so when we assess anyone wishing to use our services, we must ensure that we are able to meet their needs and consider that the individual will be able to interact well with the other people within the home who do have varying characteristics. 

All of the records that we implement for people living permanently at the home from care plans to risk assessments are completed in the same way for Day Service and Respite Care.

Trial visits when accompanied by a carer are completely free. We understand that it may take time for an individual to get used to the home, some adjust surprisingly quickly while others may need the reassurance and assistance of their carer to help to settle in.  

  I love Wisteria House

I love Wisteria House. The facilities are incredible. The grounds are beautiful. Her room is bright and clean. The best thing, far and above all others, is the staff. I couldn't do what they do. Just amazing.

JT  |  04 / 2025
  The staff are very kind, helpful, and understanding

Mum enjoys the day care at Wisteria House. The staff are very kind, helpful, understanding and there is always a happy atmosphere. Staff have also been support to me. Mum enjots seeing the other ladies and gentleman and having a chat. Mum loves the activities provided and enjoys the food.

JH  |  05 / 2025
  I can't thank all the staff at Wisteria House Woolwell enough

I can't thank all the staff at Wisteria House Woolwell enough for the beyond excellent care they continue to give to my darling Mum and to our family. Mum went into Wisteria after a few stressful hospital stays and it was a difficult time for us all. Since being at Wisteria, Mum has thrived. She is 
so well cared for by everyone. She has the most wonderful friends, the food is amazing (very fresh and wholesome and always available), the gardens are so beautiful and so peaceful and Mum has her sparkle back again. When we visit and take Mum out, the staff are all warm and helpful and professional and we are always welcome. Mum says she is happy and never wants to live anywhere else now. That is testament to the wonderful staff, the ethos and environment. Thank you for supporting us, and especially Mum, and enabling us to make more happy, quality memories with Mum.

Lyn C  |  05 / 2025
  We don't think we could have found a better fit for mum and us

After caring for Mum in her own home for some time it became clear that Mum needed more than we could provide. Visiting Wisteria House for the first time we got such a strong feeling of cosy, homeliness and immediately felt we'd found a great place. Four months on we are sure of that. Everyone is always welcoming, the care is so genuine. The activities provided are stimulating, varied and fun, everyone is included. We don't think we could have found a better fit for mum and us. We thank everyone there for their help and support.

David P  |  05 / 2024
  Angels!!

Our precious Mum has been in Wisteria Plymstock for over. 3 years. It was the best decision my sisters and I have made. The staff are amazing. Some of the most caring and loving group of people I have ever met. Angels!! The love and care they give to not only to Mum but the everyone is outstanding. 

It's a big happy family. There are fun activities every day and when I visit I feel so welcomed. Well done to all the staff at Wisteria

Glenda C
  Keep up the great work everyone!

My wife visited several different homes, but for various reasons they just weren't right. But then she had the good fortune to view Wisteria House. she said she knew instantly that this was the place, and after my first visit I knew what she meant. The place has a lovely feel to it and the staff are all very warm and welcoming. It wasn't easy at first because it was it was all very confusing for her, but after a while she became a lot more settled.

There are always activities going on there and all the residents seems so content.

Toby H  |  04 / 2025
  A very caring home

It is a very caring home and the residents seem very happy. Staff are great, and the food also very good. Staff are inclusive and very welcoming, nothing is too much trouble.

AB  |  04 / 2025
  Wisteria House has been a godsend

Wisteria House has been a godsend. They are great with him, he is well-fed, always clean and is loved there. When I take him back after a day out I don't cry when I leave him as I know he is looked after. He has made great steps there.

Martin B  |  08 / 2023
  Thank you for everything you do

Fantastic Care Home so caring to both residents and their families. My family member has thrived since being here. Previously he was A02 and is now able with a stick - this is due to the amazing staff who show such care, compassion and support to their residents within their care. It is such a warm environment and feels like one big family. Thank you for everything you do.

S S  |  08 / 2023
  Highly Recommended!

Wisteria House is truly exceptional. A small home, it has a lovely family feel and the staff have a good understanding of dementia and provide a gold standard of care. They are very skilled whilst showing warmth, affection, and humour. My mum's face always lights up when her carers approach her and 
that tells me everything. It gives us such confidence and peace of mind. Highly recommended!

C W  |  09 / 2023
  Ten out of ten!

I have been visiting a long-term friend who has been here for a couple of months and can't help but admire the care and attention given to the residents, nothing seems too much trouble. I have never visited a residential home with the cleanliness of Wisteria House. The nice thing that struck me on my 
first visit is the fresh homely smell. The residents all seem very happy here. Ten out of ten to everyone!

Colin M  |  05 / 2023
  5 Stars!

The whole building is used by the residents as their own home. There is nothing regimental, they can do anything they wish to do - watch TV, cups of tea in their room, and activities are plentiful, entertainment. The staff are all well-organised and nothing is too much trouble - all in all 5 stars!

Ian G  |  09 / 2023
  Our Father is happy and safe

Both the home and staff are fantastic, our father is happy and safe.

The facilities are wonderful and the home is extremely clean. We wish to thank the wonderful staff for all they do for our father.

Steven D  |  09 / 2023
  A Happy Haven

Mum has stayed twice for respite and stats for several hours one day a week. I would not want her to stay anywhere else. The staff are so kind and dedicated, often having fun and themed events for the residents. I am so thankful for their love and devotion. Wisteria House is such a happy haven; you feel it as soon as you walk in.

Susanne B  |  09 / 2022
  Blown Away!

So finding one that was going to be the next "perfect" home for Mum seemed like it was going to be an impossible task. Until we found Wisteria! Wow, I am blown away by everything about it.

Kerry W  |  09 / 2022
  I feel so happy that Mum is there!

From the very first day, the staff could not have been better in making Mum feel safe, looking after her care and needs. The activities they do are awesome! It has been lovely after Covid to get to see the staff working together to make sure the residents feel happy and relaxed. I feel so happy that Mum is there and wouldn't put her anywhere else.

Judi L  |  09 / 2022
  Strong focus on quality of life

Whilst the Owner is the clear driver on the strong focus on quality of life and occupation and the use of an exceptional range of props to create interactions, there was an encouraging sense that the whole team 'gets it' and that it is not reliant on her to make things happen; she has created a whole team, whole home approach to this with two strong and passionate managers leading and modelling it

Butterfly Award Feedback
  The best the auditor has observed in any Butterfly home

The way in which the team created a sense of mutual receiprocity by enabling people living in the home to give as well as receive was the best the auditor has observed in any Butterfly home; with the older women washing and combing the hair of younger women care workers and doing each other's make up, hand massages and nail manicures in a companionable way

Butterfly Award Feedback
  Genuine Regard

The whole staff team show huge amounts of love, kindness and genuine regard for the people in all their interactions, which was both joyful and, at times, emotional to watch

Butterfly Award Feedback
  Validating Feelings and Emotions

The team demonstrate their ability to connect with people whatever the persons reality, validating emotion and feelings.  Relatives and friends are made welcome.

  Mutual Giving and Exchange of Care

The genuine care, friendship and love between the whole team and people living their is demonstrated with closeness, hugs and kisses, sharing lives and moments together.  There is a mutual giving and exchange of care as the people who live here equally notice and take care of the team.  This is a huge reflection of the levels of wellbeing in the Wisteria Family.

Butterfly Award Feedback
  Family Feel

There is a warm relaxed family feel to life here at Wisteria House. Much thought and effort has gone into providing lots of opportunties for all the people who live here to chat, have fun and be fully occupied.  Through conversations and engagement, the story of people's lives i.e. their work, hobbies, interests and family are brought to life by the skillful team.

Butterfly Award Feedback
  A Persons Life Story

A staff team who evidence through their interactions that they know about the people that live here.  Linking their communitcation and interactions to a person's life story.

  Wonderful Community Spirit!

Congratulations to all the staff team and people living in the home for their amazing mutual regard they show each other and the staff team allowing the home to have a wonderful community spirit.

  Part of the community

In Wisteria House there is a strong drive to be part of the community not a home in isolation, people spend time outside in the garden when the weather allows.  A neighbour from around the corner walks to the front garden and says 'Oh it looks lovely!  I saw the bubbles and wanted to see what you are celebrating, you make the area look so nice.

Butterfly Award Feedback
  An Absence of Controlling Care

An absence of controlling care, with an emphasis on promoting people to be free to do and be what they are able to.

Butterfly Award Feedback
  Warm, Friendly Atmosphere

A warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the home, where staff look like friends to the people living there.

Butterfly Award Feedback
  Compassionate & Caring

A very loving, compassionate, caring, energetic and non-judgemental team of staff some of whom have only recently come to work in dementia care.

Butterfly Award Feedback