When you care for another person, we understand that taking time out for yourself if you need to is important for your own health and wellbeing.

A respite break is ideal for when a regular care-giver (family carer) is unavailable, or extra support is needed on a short-term basis. It could be an hour each week, a day here and there or a week or two for a holiday.

Respite breaks allow you to take a break from your caring role, while the person you care for is looked after by someone else in the comfort of their own home.

Plan Ahead

It is a good idea to think about your respite options before you really need them. Trying to plan respite when you are already overwhelmed can very quickly become too much.

Respite Options

Consider what type of respite is needed, does the person require 24-hour care, or could they manage with the introduction of a short-term care package or an increase in an existing care package.

  • a day-sitting service – allows you a break to go shopping, meet up with friends or have time for yourself.
  • a night-sitting service – where someone will come into your home to do the bedtime routine whilst you are away or to allow you to have a proper night’s sleep.
  • holidays – help and support for when you want to go on holiday or need to be away for whatever reason.

Give us a call us on 0121 553 6483 to discuss options and prices of our respite options.

In Birmingham we can offer funded respite breaks for family carers living within the Birmingham area, who care for people with dementia or those who have a palliative condition. This service is funded by Birmingham and Solihull CCG.

For more information, visit our page on funded respite breaks.

National Respite Options

There are also many national services that offer holidays, breaks, trips abroad, outdoor activities, financial help and information that can help you in your journey. Find out more at Carers Trust.

Paying for Respite Care

This can either be done privately or through the local council. If you need support with costs then you need to contact the local council for a Getting a Carers and Needs Assessment.

Legal & General offer carers a free consultation to help you find and pay for care – visit the Legal & General website or contact 0800 086 9071 for further information.