Respite care / carer breaks
Respite care / carer breaks
Everyone deserves time out. Whether you care for a relative or are in need of care yourself, taking a break from your usual routine can do the world of good.
Respite care can either mean someone else looking after your friend or relative in their home, or the person who is ill spending time in residential care, a nursing home, or a hospice.
Respite care may also available in an emergency, subject to assessment.
The assessment of your needs as a carer can be carried out with the assessment of the person you are caring for, so both of you can get the support you need.
If you as a carer are eligible for support, you may also be eligible for a carer's personal budget; this is an amount of money to help you in your caring role. You could use this money to pay towards a break, holiday or support that will help you to improve your health and wellbeing and balance your caring role.
What is a respite break?
A respite break simply means taking a break from caring. What sort of break, and for how long, is up to you. You may feel you need to have short regular breaks to enjoy a hobby, get some exercise, take care of your own needs or catch up on some sleep. Alternatively, you may need a longer break or holiday.Respite care can either mean someone else looking after your friend or relative in their home, or the person who is ill spending time in residential care, a nursing home, or a hospice.
How do I get a respite break?
If you're spending a lot of time caring for someone on a regular basis, you have the right to a carer's assessment. This covers your own needs, including your need for a break and time to yourself. Further information about this can be found the adult carers page.Respite care may also available in an emergency, subject to assessment.
The assessment of your needs as a carer can be carried out with the assessment of the person you are caring for, so both of you can get the support you need.
If you as a carer are eligible for support, you may also be eligible for a carer's personal budget; this is an amount of money to help you in your caring role. You could use this money to pay towards a break, holiday or support that will help you to improve your health and wellbeing and balance your caring role.