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 may 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. There are many voluntary sector day care and respite services in Southwark, alongside statutory organised services.

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

Charging will be calculated from the cared for financial circumstances, not the carer.

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. A social worker will carry out this assessment. If you already have a social woker involved in your life, they will complete this assessment.

If you do not have an allocated social worker and would like a carer's assessment, please contact us on the number on the right-hand side of this page.

If you would like general advice and information, please contact Southwark Carers