In a recent Family Voices report, it was indicated that families who have children with life-limiting conditions want more funding for two hospices in Wales. The hospices, Tŷ Hafan and Tŷ Gobaith, provide various types of professional care for such families and their children, including respite care.
For families and their children with life-limiting conditions, respite care is vital to maintain good mental and physical health conditions in family member carers. Yet, three-quarters of families complained about difficulties in accessing necessary care and support. Due to the lack of funding, the hospices could not provide support for all families but had to prioritize the end-of-life stays. Compared to other UK countries, Wales’ hospices get 10% less funding from the government and rely almost entirely on public donations. This situation was further aggravated by the pandemic resulting in £2m shortfalls.
Family member carers share their experience that the two hospices are the only place where they can get respite care. They also confessed having financial hardships with more than fifty living with £15 000 per year. One of the carers, James Meacham, said that respite care is “invaluable” to him so that he can enjoy spending time with his son instead of 24/7 “carer mode”.
The chief executive, Maria Timon Samra, calls the Welsh Government to increase the funding for these two hospices. The Welsh Government said in reply that they have already allocated £1.5m and they are working with hospices "to understand their future funding requirements".