Breaks for carers
There are a variety of services available that are aimed at providing carers with a break from their caring roles, where there is an assessed need. These services may include sitting and befriending services, day care, home care, residential care and family placements. Services should aim to be flexible and to meet an individual’s needs. These services are usually provided to the person you care for, which in turn gives you as the carer, a break from your caring role.
The Coalition Government has made funding available to support carers to take breaks from their caring responsibilities. NHS County Durham and Darlington are working jointly with Durham County Council to allocate the funding for carer breaks and opportunities and the Joint Plan for County Durham Carer Breaks and Opportunities 2011/2012 is available on Durham County Council's break services for carers webpage.
If you, or someone you know would benefit from a carers break contact your local carers centre for details.
Carers-breaks-information-flyer.pdf
Below are some links that may help you get the respite and breaks needed.
Durham County Council Respite and Short Term Care
Respite Care is another name for relief or short-term care. It can give you or the person you care for a break. For a short period only, respite care can be arranged in a residential or nursing home. We can arrange a short stay on a regular basis so that you may have a set time at home and then a set time within a residential home. There is information on respite care for carers of adults with learning disabilities on the Durham County Council website.
Durham Shared Lives
Durham Shared Lives is the term used to describe the scheme where adults with a learning disability are offered either short-term or long-term care by other people who are known as Adult Placement Providers. The care takes place in the home of the approved provider.
Other providers
Crossroads
Crossroads is a charity which has a network of local schemes providing respite in the home, using trained staff. Many Crossroads schemes do not charge although there is often a waiting list for their services.
Vitalise
Vitalise is a national charity providing short breaks (respite care) and other services for disabled people, visually impaired people, and carers.