Respite and breaks from caring

Looking after an elderly, ill, or disabled adult on a fulltime basis can be demanding and stressful. A break away from your caring role can help you look after yourself and return to your caring role better able to cope.

What types of breaks are there?

If you regularly provide substantial care for someone you may be eligible to receive support from adult social care so that you can take a break. You could arrange for a sitting service where a volunteer or care professional provides company for the person you care for whilst you have some time off.

If you are a carer and think you would benefit by taking break from your caring role, either alone or with the person you care for, there are a number of options to consider:

Day services in the community

For information about events and activities you and the person you care for can do in Southwark, have a look at the getting out and about section of the website

Residential Respite care

Short term care can be provided to person you care for in a residential or nursing home. This enables you to have a complete break from your caring role.

Home Based Respite

These breaks provide educational, social and leisure activities. The person you care for could attend day centres, day resource centres for disabled people or activity groups.

Fix-Yourself-A-Break (FYAB)

The FYAB scheme, run by Southwark Carers, helps people take a break from caring by providing financial assistance to carers who meet its eligibility criteria.

The payment (currently between £100 and £250 depending on circumstances) can be used for any expenses relating to going on holiday or taking a respite break. The money can be spent on transport or accommodation, or it can be used for a number of short breaks, social outings or recreational activities.

The breaks are chosen and organised by the carer and can be in the UK or abroad. Eligibility for the scheme is non-means tested, i.e. you may be able to receive assistance through the scheme regardless of your financial situation and income.

To find out more about Fix Yourself-A-Break and other schemes, contact Southwark Carers

Further sources of information and support