Croydon families caring for a loved one with severe learning disabilities are set to benefit from a new hotel-style facility offering short respite breaks.

The plans for a new, purpose built accommodation will offer the modern facilities that people have been asking for, and allow carers to take valuable time off knowing their relatives are in good hands.

A menu of services will be provided, tailored to meet the individual needs of clients, parents or carers.

The new facility is still in the planing stages and a specific site for the hotel has not been specified yet. The hope is it will provide beds for about 12 guests, and be adapted to meet modern care standards.

The occasional breaks are likely to help family members continue to be primary carers, an approach that is frequently found to be in the best interest of vulnerable people and a more effective alternative to permanent residential care.

If the scheme is to go ahead, existing council facilities at Craignish and Heather Way will remain open until the new hotel is up and running.

Croydon Council intends to discontinue the short break provision it offers in Norbury and South Croydon, where the properties cannot provide accessible services to all people with learning disabilities.

Councillor Margaret Mead, cabinet member for adult social care, said:

“We have listened to what people wanted and this is what they have been asking for – a modern facility that meets their needs.

“The hotel and menu model provides greater flexibility and range of services in response to an expected increase in the number of clients, parents and carers.”

There are currently around 150 people who use Croydon’s respite service, taking breaks between one night and six weeks long.

Those affected by the plans will be involved throughout the re-commissioning of short break services and formal consultations will take place with all staff.