Faircape Health Institute
Short-Term & Respite Care in the Western Cape
We provide emergency and planned respite care to offer short-term breaks for families and carers while also providing a positive experience for the person attending the programme.
What Is Respite Care and Who Is It For?
Respite care is temporary, short-term care, either planned or emergency, designed to give primary caregivers a much-needed break while ensuring their loved one receives professional support in a safe, structured environment.
Respite care is not a reduced or limited service. Every short-stay resident benefits from our full interdisciplinary team, personalised care planning, medical oversight, and engaging daily activity programmes, the same standard of care we provide to long-term residents.
Respite care is suitable for:
- Family members and caregivers who need a planned holiday or break
- Caregivers recovering from their own illness or surgery
- Families managing an unexpected emergency or crisis
- Individuals recently discharged from hospital who are not yet ready to return home alone
- State-of-the-art security & access control
- Families exploring long-term care options who want their loved one to experience Faircape Health first-hand
Planned & Emergency Respite Care - We're Here When You Need Us
Planned Respite Care
For families who know in advance that they need temporary care for a loved one, planned respite care allows time to arrange the right room, complete assessments, and ensure a smooth, comfortable transition. Whether you’re travelling, taking a holiday, or simply need a structured break from the demands of caregiving, we work with you to plan every detail in advance.
Emergency Respite Care
When an unexpected situation arises, a caregiver’s hospitalisation, a family crisis, or a sudden change in your loved one’s needs, Faircape Health Institute offers emergency respite placements subject to bed availability across our 6 Western Cape facilities. Our admissions team works quickly to assess needs and arrange care with as little disruption as possible.
To enquire about emergency availability, call us directly on 021 001 8291.
How Respite Care Admission Works
We understand that families often reach out during stressful moments. Our admissions process is designed to be straightforward, transparent, and supportive from the first contact.
Step 1. Enquire
Contact our team by phone or via our online enquiry form. Tell us about your loved one’s needs, preferred dates, and any medical or care requirements. We respond to all enquiries within 1–2 working days, and sooner for emergency requests.
Step 2. Assessment
Our clinical team conducts a pre-admission assessment to understand your loved one’s health status, mobility, medication requirements, and personal preferences. This ensures the right room, care plan, and team are in place before arrival.
Step 3. Admission & Orientation
On arrival, your loved one is welcomed and oriented by our care team. Their individualised care plan is activated, and families are kept informed throughout the stay. We encourage family visits and maintain open communication at every stage.
Step 4. Ongoing Support & Discharge Planning
For short-term stays, discharge planning begins early so your loved one transitions home,or to the next level of care, confidently and safely. Our team can also advise on home care adaptations, assistive devices, and caregiver support resources.
Activity Programmes
Social Engagement
Physical Exercise
Intellectual Stimulation
Music, Dance & Games
Outings & Community
Clinical Care During Your Loved One's Short Stay
Short-term does not mean short on care. During a respite stay at Faircape Health Institute, your loved one has full access to:
- 24-hour nursing and carer support
- Individualised care plan developed by our Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)
- Medication administration and chronic condition management
- On-site pharmacy with daily deliveries to all facilities
- Pain management support
- Dietitian-designed meal plans tailored to individual health needs
- Pulmonary support including oxygen therapy and nebulisation where required
- Access to mobility aids, transfer equipment, and assistive devices
- Camera-enabled facilities for safety monitoring and incident prevention
- Fall prevention sensors in each room
Our interdisciplinary team includes doctors, nurses, carers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, social workers, and a dietitian, all available throughout your loved one’s stay.
our respite care facilities
Our professional and fully equipped care facilities offer the safest and most comfortable environment for your loved ones. Faircape Health Institute care centres offer a range of accommodation options to suit residents needs. Rooms are replete with a variety of additional features to provide residents with the quality of life they’re accustomed to. Across all of our prime locations, we’ve achieved an average 98% 5-star rating.
Faircape Health Institute is here to combine world-class healthcare provision with the comforts of premium hospitality. We are proud to offer the following amenities to support comfort, safety, and wellness in a stress-free environment:
- An interdisciplinary management support team
- Patient-centred care adapted around the specific and individualised needs
- Single, double, shared, assisted living rooms and wards
- 3 meals a day prepared by a qualified chef & dietitian
- State-of-the-art security & access control
- Generators for 24/7 electricity
- Hydraulic baths & heating lights in bathrooms
- Wheelchair accessible showers and kitchenettes
- Free Wi-Fi & Smart TVs
- Coffee Shop Services
- Outdoor Areas & Beautiful Gardens
- Beautician
Our healthcare room & bed options
Faircape Health Institute is part of the Faircape Group with 6 facilities located in Hermanus, Somerset West, Southern Suburbs, Noordhoek and Tokai. Our facilities have a selection of room options to suit your needs. From single, double, shared, assisted living rooms and wards.
View our options below:
At Noordhoek Manor Healthcare we have the following care options:
Noordhoek Manor
At Tokai Estate Healthcare we have the following care options:
Tokai Estate
At Clé du Cap Healthcare we have the following care options:
Clé du Cap
At Onrus Manor Healthcare we have the following care options:
Onrus Manor
At Somerset West Healthcare we have the following care options:
Somerset West
At Bridgewater Manor Healthcare we have the following care options:
Bridgewater Manor
our team makes us different
We focus on and value the person – who they are, who they were, and we respect and honour our residents and the contributions they make and have made in their lives. Our staff build special relationships with residents that help them feel like they belong and that they are at home at Faircape Health Institute.
We believe in working as an interdisciplinary team that comprises professionals from various disciplines who work in collaboration toward one common goal.
Our team consists of:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Carers
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Speech Therapists
- Social Workers
- Dietitian
- Neuropsychologist & Psychologist
our FAQs
Our Frequently Asked Questions provide clarity on our services, admission process, and treatment approach, ensuring you have the information you need to make well-guided decisions about your health or that of a loved one.
1. What is respite care and who is it for?
Respite care is a short-term stay that provides professional care and support for individuals who may require assistance with daily living, rehabilitation, recovery, or medical supervision. It is ideal for seniors, individuals recovering from illness or surgery, or those whose primary caregivers need a temporary break, are travelling, or are unavailable for a period of time.
2. How long can my loved one stay for respite care?
Respite care stays can vary depending on individual needs and availability. Whether you require support for a few days, several weeks, or longer, our team will work with you to determine the most appropriate length of stay and care plan.
3. Can respite care be arranged at short notice or in an emergency?
Yes. We understand that unexpected situations can arise, and we will do our best to accommodate urgent respite care requests, subject to bed availability and clinical assessment requirements. We encourage families to contact our admissions team as soon as possible to discuss their needs.
4. What activities and care will my loved one receive during their stay?
Each respite care guest receives personalised care tailored to their individual needs. Depending on their requirements, this may include nursing care, medication management, rehabilitation therapies, assistance with daily activities, nutritious meals, social engagement opportunities, and access to our facilities and amenities. Our goal is to ensure every guest feels comfortable, supported, and cared for throughout their stay.
5. Does medical aid cover respite care stays?
Medical aid cover for respite care varies depending on your medical aid provider and plan benefits. We recommend contacting your medical aid directly to confirm available cover. Our admissions team can also assist with information regarding private rates and payment options.
6. What is the minimum stay for respite care at Faircape Health?
The minimum respite care stay at Faircape Health is typically determined by the individual’s care requirements and bed availability. Please contact our team to discuss your specific needs, and we will recommend the most suitable option.
7. How is respite care different from long-term care?
Respite care is designed as a temporary stay, providing short-term support, recovery assistance, or caregiver relief. Long-term care, on the other hand, is intended for individuals who require ongoing accommodation, nursing care, or assistance with daily living on a permanent or extended basis. Respite care offers the same high standard of professional care and support, but for a defined period of time.
Get in Touch
How can we help you today? For more information on our services and facilities, send us an enquiry. We strive to respond to all enquiries within 1-2 working days. Alternatively, book your visit.
Long-Term
Ensure your loved ones receive compassionate, continuous support with our Long-Term Care services.
Our dementia, alzheimer’s & frail care services provide long term care and support to those in an assisted living environment.
Sub-acute & Rehabilitation
Ready to start your journey to recovery?
Enquire about our expert rehabilitation services at Faircape Health Institute.
Book a visit
Prioritize your health – easily schedule a consultation or explore our facilities to experience comprehensive healthcare firsthand.
Facility Tours are conducted by appointment only.