Taking Breaks

When you’re caring for someone it can be easy to keep putting their needs before your own. However, the benefits of taking a break can be far reaching – whether it’s a short meditation, seeing friends or a trip away.

Finding Time for YOU

Whatever you do, finding some ‘me’ time to relax and unwind is important for both you and those you care for.

One of the first steps towards finding the respite you need is requesting a carers assessment from your local council.

A Carers Assessment is your opportunity to tell someone about your experiences and the impact that caring is having on your daily life. As a result of this assessment, you may be offered financial and practical help with accessing some time to yourself. For example, you may receive vouchers to pay for a sitting service, or a direct payment for you to spend on meeting with friends or pursuing a hobby.

Carer’s Assessment

Day Centre

A Day Centre is a service which is provided by Local Authorities, the NHS, or voluntary/private organisations. They are a place where elderly people or people who have learning/physical difficulties can go during the day to socialise with others in a similar situation and take part in activities. As well as the benefit to the person with care needs, a day centre can provide much needed respite to family carers. You can discuss this with your local council as part of a care assessment.

Attending Events and Groups

Groups and events run by Carers in Bedfordshire are designed for carers, we understand the challenges you face and so do others who attend. Even if you attend a group with the person you care for, this can be a well needed respite of your day-to-day difficulties, with those who understand.

What’s On Near Me

Finding Groups and Events

NHS Carer’s Grant

If you provide substantial care as an unpaid carer, a carers grant can enable you to take up a break, activity, service or training that will improve your health or wellbeing.

A break doesn’t have to mean a holiday – it can also mean having time away from your caring role to do something for you. This could be something like going for regular massages or going to visit family and friends.

Carer’s Grants