Respite Care

Respite care is when someone else takes over your role as a carer for a short period of time, to give you a break from what can be a full-time, strenuous job.

Depending on your circumstances, the type of care you provide, the needs of the person you care for and their level of dependency, respite care can take a number of different forms.

It might be that you can get help from a different carer to perform your caring role for a short time. Alternatively, the person you care for can be given residential care in a different setting for a period, to give you time to do other things, or just take a break.

Who's it for?

Essentially, this service is for carers, people who provide care for others, but the people you provide care for may be: children with disabilities adults with physical or learning disabilities, or dependent older people

Who's eligible?

If you are a carer - that is you provide regular care for another person, then you might be eligible to get respite care for the person you care for. We assess every case on an individual basis, taking into account all your circumstances, to allow us to get a complete view of your needs before recommending a service.

How do I apply?

If you are a carer, you are entitled to a carer's assessment, even if the person you care for has refused an assessment themselves. The carer's assessment looks at the care you provide and assesses whether you need help to provide that care. Our contact service for social care will arrange for a care manager or social worker to come and complete this assessment.

Where can I find out more?

Find more information in the Carers section of the site. The Child Health and Disability service has details of respite care if you are looking after a disabled child.