Carers' breaks
Everyone needs time off from the physical and mental demands of caring.
Many carers want to take full responsibility for the person they care for. However, it is important that you look after yourself too.
Even a short break can help you to come back to your caring role refreshed and better able to continue caring.
Arranging a carer's break
There are many different ways of organising a break, be it for an hour a week, a holiday, or regular help with the day-to-day tasks of caring.
The important thing is to know that the person you care for is safe.
There is no fixed entitlement to carers' breaks, and it is important to remember that arranging a break can take some time.
For some carers' breaks, you need to have an assessment first with social services. For others, you can refer yourself to the organisations.
To begin a discussion about arranging a carer's break, please contact us.
Resources are limited and we must ensure that arranging help, care and support for those in need comes first.
This may mean that we cannot always provide the carers' breaks that you would like, or meet your needs in the way you might prefer.
Types of carer's break
Below we have listed some of the types of carers' breaks that may be available to you.
Time for you
There are some services that offer you a chance to take time for yourself to relax and offer a range of alternative therapies.
There are some others that will give you a chance to meet up with other carers for a few hours, knowing that the person you care for is being looked after.
Sitting services
With this type of service, you can have a break whilst the person you care for remains in their home with a trained person who will look after them.
Sometimes, the service will include taking the person you care for out for a short walk.
With a sitting service, you are usually offered a break of several hours, either on a one-off basis, or a regular arrangement of set hours each week.
Sitting services are provided by registered agencies, whose staff will have received training to ensure that they can provide the appropriate level of care in your absence.
Sitting services are also provided through voluntary organisations.
Night sitting service
It is important to get some uninterrupted sleep - so that you are able to continue your caring.
Some organisations provide a trained carer who can stay over to take over your caring responsibilities.
Help in crisis services
This is a 'one-off' sitting service which may be available at short notice for carers needing immediate relief due to illness, exhaustion, distress or other family crisis.
Day care services
There are alternatives to someone coming to your home.
The person you care for may be able to spend a morning, afternoon, or day at a day centre, a residential home or a nursing home, depending on their needs and the level of care they require.
Day care can provide an opportunity for company, educational, occupational and leisure activities, outings and a meal.
Some day care services are managed by the council; others by the health authority; and others by voluntary organisations.
Day care in a residential or nursing home setting
Day care in a residential or nursing home setting can often be more flexible in terms of time - and can start at 7.00am and end at 10.00pm.
Meals are provided, and activities similar to those at day centres arranged.
Personal care, such as bathing, is also available.
Overnight or weekend breaks can also be arranged, and can act as an introduction to a home where short stays could be taken at a later date.
Day care services for children
There are various types of day care services for children with disabilities.
This can include day nurseries, family centres, playgroups, and playschemes.
Some schools also have after school clubs.
Contact the children with disabilities team for further information:
Children with Disabilties Team
Phoenix House,
10 Wandsworth Road,
SW8 2LL
020 7926 5555
London
Tel: 020 7926 5555
Longer breaks
The person you care for can spend time away in a residential or nursing home, or hospice, depending on the level or type of care needs.
This can be for a weekend, week or fortnight as needed, and can be booked in advance to ensure that both carer and cared for receive regular respite.
It may also be possible for someone to come and 'live in' with the person you care for, to take over your caring tasks whilst you take a break for a few days or longer.
Breaks away
Some people with mental health problems may be eligible for a break away in a hotel which offers specialised care.
Breaks together
Sometimes both you or the person you care for would like a break together.
This could be taken in many parts of the country where there are hotel facilities catering specifically for people with nursing or care needs.
Carers are able to relax and enjoy a holiday whilst someone takes over their caring tasks.
The advantage of this is that both of you have a holiday.
Hospice care
If you are caring for someone who is terminally ill they may be eligible for a short stay in a hospice.
Contact us
If you are an adult carer, and would like to receive support from Lambeth adults' and community services, phone us on 020 7926 5555, and we will put you through to the right team.
See the asking for our support page for further details.