Having a break together
Carers often tell us that they desperately need a break but for many reasons would struggle to leave the person they care for. Sometimes a change may be as good as a rest. Taking a break together might involve:
- Attend a supportive group together where staff will support you with your caring role – being around others might take the pressure off your caring role. Some sessions are run in parallel so a carers group might take place at the same time as an activity enabling you to have a small rest. The Adult Social Care - community directory lists local groups and activities.
- Holiday provision – there are a number of national providers that provide holidays for carers and people with support needs, they will explore the care that is needed and can provide this on-site usually with accessible accommodation and care on-site. The Carers Trust have a good overview of providers.
- Visiting family/friends together – is there the option to visit family and friends together? Could you have a holiday close to family and friends who may be able to support you with taking a break?
If the person you are caring for is receiving an assessment talk to the practitioner about support, you may be able to utilise some of your personal budget to support the costs of care if it has been identified that you would benefit from respite provision. You may be able to access a Carers Direct Payment to support some costs for yourself as a carer.
The Carers Trust Heart of England can talk to you about your options as well.