Everybody needs a break sometimes, however carers often struggle to find the time for themselves or recognise their own needs. As a carer you may be entitled to have a break from caring to improve your health and well-being and to access a range of short and long term support which can assist you in your caring role.
Short Breaks and Activities
Most local carer centres run a variety of short break groups and activities to help carers focus on their own needs and work on developing personal skills and interests. The groups also help carers to overcome some of the negative effects often experienced due to a caring role, such as social isolation, depression and poor physical health. These friendly, informal groups usually meet on a weekly or monthly basis and offer carers a variety of practical, creative and social activities to enjoy. Most of these short break groups are free; however there may be a small fee for certain activities. Carer centres can also give you advice on what other type of breaks are available from different providers within your area.
Respite/Replacement Care
To access short or long term respite arrangements from local statutory health and social care services, you can request a carer’s assessment that may identify that you need a break from caring. Respite may be offered in different ways that meet your needs and the person you care for. Replacement care could include a short stay at a local care home, care staff spending time at home with the cared-for person or attendance at a local day care service.
These are just examples and for those who wish to, alternative provision can be made through the use of Personal Budgets. These can be paid in the form of Direct Payments giving both the cared-for and the carer greater choice and control. Personal Budgets can be money allocated to meet social care needs from the local authority or from a Personal Health Budget from the NHS allocated to meet health and wellbeing needs.
More information about Personal Budgets:
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/personal-budgetsthe-right-social-care-support
More information about Personal Health Budgets:
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/patient-choice/personal-health-budget/Pages/about-phb.aspx
Emergency Respite Care
Emergency respite may be arranged for you in the instance of a sudden illness, accident or other emergency and plans can be put in place with local services that you or the cared-for person may use for these situations. There are also local schemes run through health and social care services to offer emergency support, and you should ask your local carer centre about what is available in your local area.
