Taking A Break

Respite is as an opportunity for carers to have a break from their caring role. Respite care is available for both adults and children.

You could arrange a short break for yourself by asking a friend or relative to come and sit for a while. Home sitting services can also be provided by your local health authority or through a voluntary organization.

You could also consider a care attendant scheme, which provides care in the home. Trained care attendants stay with families for a few weeks or longer, providing various kinds of home help. Crossroads have over 200 care attendant schemes in the UK and the Leonard Cheshire Foundation has 40 care at home services.

Day care away from home can give you a complete break. This can be provided at day care centres, lunch or social clubs, day hospitals or education and training centres.

The Take a Break carers special grant scheme is run by Leicestershire Social Services. This provides funds towards transport for a holiday or visit or for sitting services. A grant to a maximum of £250 is available.

For longer term respite care you could consider your relative taking a residential break away from home for a short stay. This could be at a residential or nursing home or in a family-based setting.

You might want to take a holiday either on your own or with the person you care for. There are a number of organizations offering holidays for people with special needs. 

Click here to find organizations that deal with respite care,