Need a break?

Studies have shown that there are increased levels of stress, ill health and mental health problems in those people who undertake a caring role. Carers and the cared for can benefit from day respite, residential respite and phased care services.

What is respite care?

When a care relationship is not professional and not based on shifts and normal working hours, but is continuous for 24 hours per day, seven days per week. A break is not a luxury but essential to maintain the caring role. Residential respite and phased care can be provided in a residential setting to enable carers to have a break from their caring role.

Day respite can be provided to offer short periods of respite in a range of different ways either in the home; support at home or in day centres for older people or via adult day care resources and enhanced care units. It may also be possible to access services provided by the private and voluntary sector, to access these resources you will need to use the contact list below.

For older people with mental health problems

Evelyn Coyle Respite Care
Tel: 020 7525 3732
Fax: 020 7525 3908
49a Grange Walk
London
SE1 3DY

Combined respite care for children and adults with learning disabilities

Orient Street
Tel: 020 7582 5907
Fax: 020 7582 5907
19 Orient Street
London
SE11 4SR

Who can access respite care?

Anyone who undertakes a caring role for a friend or relative who is an older person or has a learning or physical disability or suffers a mental health problem may be able to access respite care services.

Cost implications

We do have a charging policy for home care and residential care services. How much you will pay will depend on what benefits, savings, or income you have.

Who decides if I am able to access these services?

Respite needs should be identified via an assessment under the NHS and Community Care Act 1990, which includes assessments of carers' needs under the Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995. Your care manager will carry out this assessment. You should contact your allocated care manager and discuss your respite needs.

What do I do if I don't have an allocated care manager?

If you do not have an allocated care manager you should, in the first instance, make a referral to us. We will record all your information and pass this to the appropriate community team who will then contact you to arrange an assessment.

Contact

Southwark Health and Social Care
Tel: 0845 600 1287
csc@southwark.gov.uk  
Woodmill Building
Neckinger
London
SE16 3QN