What is short stay or respite care?
Short stay or respite care describes separate periods of care if you need to have a short-term break. Respite care can be provided either in a residential care home, nursing care home or in your own home.
Usually respite care is arranged well in advance and is offered for no more than two weeks during the year. It can also be provided where there is a sudden change in your usual care arrangements e.g. due to the illness of your carer.
In the learning disabilities service, respite is provided by two specialised respite care units. This is organised by the respite coordinator or your care manager.
If your problem is due to illness, you should always first contact your GP or district nurse.
Who is it for?
Respite care is available to older people and adults with a mental health problem or a physical, sensory or learning disability. It can help you to continue living safely while giving your carer peace of mind knowing you are in a safe and cared for environment.
How much will it cost?
We will do a financial assessment to work out how much money you will need to pay towards each period of respite care. You will either need to pay the full cost of your respite care or make a contribution towards the cost.
How can I apply?
The aim of the respite service is to give carers a break from their caring role. A Carer’s Assessment will help us decide who is eligible under the Carer’s Recognition and Service Act 1995. The number of episodes/days of respite that a carer receives will depend upon the impact on their caring role, for example if they are caring for somebody 7 days per week.
You will also be assessed as an individual to decide if you can take respite in a residential care home or nursing care home. Alternatively, you can organise your own respite at home by using a personal budget.
Please note: The money available limits the services that we can offer, and we cannot meet everyone’s needs all the time.
Some people will have more important needs than others and the assessment process helps us find out whose needs are greatest.
Contact your social worker or care manager. If you do not have one contact the adult access team, please see right of this page under related links.