Respite care - having a break from caring

It's important to take a break from care if you need one. This is known as respite care. The term is used for services that enable you to take a break from caring.

A respite care service is provided to the person you care for, to temporarily replace the care you would otherwise give them.

Respite care can come in many forms. What works best will depend on your circumstances and those of the person you care for. It might be a home care service for the person you care for, for example to allow you to go out in the evening, or a temporary stay in a care home to enable you to take a longer break, such as a holiday. Arrangements could be made for the person you care for to attend an activity group or day centre once a week, to give you a regular break from caring.