What is a carer’s break?
The Luton Council website says: “You may be able to receive some help that enables you to take some time out from your caring responsibilities by providing help for the person you care for – either in their own home, in day centres, or in a care home. We call this type of respite care “carer’s breaks”. It can also be valuable for the person needing support too, as it is a change of routine and a chance for you to meet new people and to have new experiences.”
You will need to have a Carer’s Assessment carried out by your local council before any support can be offered. See the Luton Council website.
Types of breaks for carers
– Respite day care
This is where the person you care for can spend some time in a variety of day centres in the community. They will have the chance to mix with other people and do the type of activities that they enjoy in a safe environment.
– Sitting service
If the person needing care cannot be left unattended while you go out, a sitting service may be provided. This is where someone else comes into their home to be with them so that you can go out and have some time of your own. The sitting service is for up to 4 hours a week.
– Short breaks for carers
This is when the person you care for has a temporary stay in a residential or nursing home, or a learning disabilities respite unit. You might want to plan your carer’s short break in advance. Maybe you need to make arrangements for a special day out or you want to book a trip away or maybe you need to give your family and friends enough notice so they can arrange the time off too.
– Other breaks for carers
If the person you care for would prefer to choose a service to meet their care and support needs, which will allow you to take a break, then please contact us at Carers Central or your local council, who can give you more information about local support.
Contact the Carers Central team for help about carers respite on 0300 3030201 or email us at carercentral@drcbeds.org.uk
Looking after the wellbeing of carers
The caring role can be an isolated role and without the right support it can become a real challenge.
As a carer, while caring for someone your own health and wellbeing can be forgotten or put to the side, you may even feel guilty when you spend time on ourselves.
As a carer it is important that you do spend time to think about yourself, as the caring role can be time consuming and stressful.
It is important for a carer to still have their own hobbies, friends and generally a little bit of time of their own.
If you feel that you are unable to cope with your caring role, you are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment which looks at your needs as a carer. The main aim is to put things in place that give you a break or some time for yourself.
