Record details
- Service description
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The short breaks for carers service is delivered by Harlington Care.
It provides carers with an opportunity to take a break from their caring role, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being cared for by someone with the appropriate training, skills and experience.
Carers can use this time to access support for themselves, they can catch up with friends and family, exercise, pursue a hobby or simply rest and recharge.
Who it's for
The service is for carers of adults (aged 18 years or over) who have care and support needs because of age, illness or disability (physical or mental).
The ‘cared for’ person must live in the borough of Hounslow in order for the carer to receive the service.
Tasks the short break support worker can carry out
While the carer takes a break from their caring role, the care support worker can assist with most everyday tasks including:
- Personal care – washing, dressing, toileting, eating and drinking.
- Administering medicine (subject to appropriate training)
- House cleaning and laundry
- Escorting the ‘cared for’ person to appointments
- Organising and accompanying the ‘cared for’ person on leisure activities
- Providing the ‘cared for’ person with activities if they so wish
Length of breaks
Every carer’s circumstances are different, and the number of hours allocated will vary according to need which will be assessed on referral. Allocated hours will be regularly reviewed and adjusted if necessary.
Short break cover in a crisis
In a crisis, an ‘emergency’ short break can be considered at short notice (usually one working day). An assessment will be carried out, provisional break hours allocated, and the situation reviewed within one month.
As a carer, you should also consider having a contingency plan in place - the carer emergency card scheme can assist with this.
How to request a short break
You can contact the First Contact Team using the details below.
You will be asked to complete a carer’s assessment in order to receive services from us. You can also complete a carer's assessment online.
- Address
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First Contact Team
London Borough of Hounslow
Hounslow House
7 Bath Road
TW3 3EB - Phone
- 020 8583 3100
- adultsocialcare@hounslow.gov.uk
