Carers Association Southern Staffordshire

Two ladies chatting Caring can be difficult and time consuming, often causing increased levels of anxiety and tiredness. To relieve these stresses and strains, taking a break from caring can be of great benefit, to you the carer and also for the person you care for, whether it is just for an hour or longer.

Taking a break from caring is not an admission of failure or a way of saying you don’t care. It is a sensible and realistic thing to do if you want to carry on caring in a healthy and safe manner.

Although resources are limited, help may be available, depending on income and your circumstances, through Social Care and Health department for an assessment of your situation.

There may be financial help available e.g. the Carers Break Fund, from Social Care and Health, or the Health Trust. It is helpful to contact your Social Worker, if you have one, for an assessment of your situation. You can also purchase help privately, if necessary

Respite Care

This can be provided for the person you care for at home or in a residential or nursing home or in the form of:

An annual break so you can have a holiday
Regular breaks at agreed intervals depending on the degree of need

A weekend break

A day off e.g. to attend a wedding

A few hours break to go out e.g. a carer’s support group, shopping etc.

Ring and Respond
If you are a Carer wanting a break, you can now arrange for a professional carer to be ready within 48 hours to take over, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, subject to availability and certain conditions. You can book up to four weeks in advance.

Ring and Respond is available to all Carers in Staffordshire to purchase from the care providers at a cost of £13.85 per hour. Carers can have up to 12 hours replacement care.

Ring either:

Allied Healthcare on 01785 811112 or Crossroads Care Staffordshire on 01785 268391

Carers can use the ring and Respond service if they provide regular support to someone.

Day Care

The cared for person may be able to attend day care, giving you the chance to take a break for a few hours or continue with your job, if carefully planned.

Day Services

Day services are provided by the local authority, but also other independent and voluntary sector organisations. Contact Staffordshire County Council (or your local authority) or your CASS Outreach Worker to find out more.

Care Agencies

There are many private agencies that will provide staff, whilst you have a break for a day or for the weekend. They will charge for this service. Use personal recommendations or contact Staffordshire County Council (or your local authority) to obtain a list of recognised agencies. Alternatively your CASS Outreach Worker can provide a list of accredited Care Agencies.

Links to Information on taking a break

Direct Gov – Information on time out from caring
www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/HealthAndTakingABreak/DG_4000163

Carers UK - Taking a Break (Factsheet EW 1016)

NHS Carers Direct - Information on respite care

www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/carerslives/updates/Documents/respite-care.pdf

The Carer –Arranging cover as a carer
www.thecarer.co.uk/arranging-for-cover-carer.html

Crossroads Caring for Carers - Runs schemes to provide carers support workers to allow carers to take a break. www.crossroads.org.uk Tel: 0845 450 0350

UK Home Care Association – Advice on choosing care and database of organisations providing care e.g. nursing and live-in care. www.ukhca.co.uk Tel: 020 8288 5291

Age Concern Stafford and District – Home Support Department offers a variety of services available at home, including personal care, practical help with shopping and housework and a seasonal gardening service. www.ageconcernstafford.org.uk/careservices_ageconcern_stafford.php Tel: 01785 607060

Local Carers Projects If you do not live in the southern Staffordshire area covered by CASS, the local Carers Project in your area may be listed in the UK Carers Project section (add link) or in the local phone book.

Sites offering Respite Care/Holidays
See Links - Sites Offering Respite Care/Holidays

Carers Breaks/Respite