respite support for carers 

It’s important that carers recharge their batteries and take short breaks from caring when they can – these breaks are called respite care. Find out how respite care can give you a break from caring. 

respite care

If you’re caring for someone full time, a short break from caring can benefit both you and the person you care for. You can access respite support from friends and family, local authorities, charities or private companies. There are several types available:

• care at a day centre gives you, and the person being cared for, a break for a few hours

• residential respite care is where a person being cared for lives away from home for a while

• domiciliary care gives you help in the home

• emergency respite care can help in an emergency, such as illness.

At every life stage, it’s good to know that you’re not alone. So, it can be helpful to get some carers’ advice from people in a similar situation to you. Why not:  

• join our discussions on topics like respite care for dementia patients

• find expert comments and help on areas including dementia respite care

• read your stories from people who have experienced issues such as finding respite care.

Your first visit might be to find out about respite care – but you’ll soon find we're an interesting new way to interact, get involved and find support. Our community offers a wealth of relevant experience and information, all in one place.  

Visit conversations to get involved and share experiences with like-minded people.