Short breaks
Most carers need a break from caring from time to time. This may be for a few hours, or a day or a week or two. If the person you are caring for is eligible for a Community Care Assessment – sometimes called a Supported Self-Assessment- then your need to have a break from caring should be considered as part of any package of care drawn up following this and included in the support plan for the person with care needs. Most people now receive this support in the form of a Direct Payment which they can use to purchase services to give you the carer a break, or they may still be offered services direct, such as attending an activity or day centre, which again gives you a rest from caring. If the person you care for is not eligible for social care support, you may still want to arrange a short break privately.
In either case, a number of voluntary organisations provide services free or at a nominal charge, as well as a whole range of private providers, if you can afford this. There are many kinds of short break. You may have someonecoming into your home from a Care Agency to take over the caring while you go out, rest or catch up with a hobby. Or the person you look after may go to a Day Centre or be taken out.
If you are going away for longer you and the person you care for may wish to look at Nursing or Residential homes. It may be the case that they wish to stay in their own home with or without support while you are away. Another option is an assisted holiday which provides help with the physical care while you and the person you care for are on holiday.
For more information, phone the Surrey County Council Adult Social Care helpline on 0300 200 1005 to ask for information on short break providers, or see their Short Breaks Directory on their website:
http://online.surreycc.gov.uk/ssd/chis/chis.nsf/WebOrganisationsByName?openview
Social Information on Disability (SID) is a charity which holds information on taking a break such as respite care, care at home and holidays with help so that carers can have a break. Phone them on 0800 043 9395 or go to http://www.asksid.org.uk/
Crossroads Care Surrey http://www.crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk/is a charity specialising in offering carers replacement care from trained staff, in order to give you a break, including support if you are looking after someone at the end of their life. To arrange an assessment please contact your local branch:
- East Surrey - 01883 714641
- Elmbridge - 01784 448578
- Guildford & Waverley - 01483 564815
- Mid Surrey - 01372 363300
- Spelthorne - 01784 446294
- Woking & Surrey Heath - 01483 766336