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Respite

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Respite means that you have a break from caring. This factsheet explains what respite may be available to you as a carer. In this factsheet, we call the person you care for ‘your relative’.

If you have a mental illness, sections of this factsheet may be useful to you.

  • Respite is a way for you to have a break from caring. It also means your relative has a break.
  • Respite can mean that someone comes in to your home to help you care for your relative. Your relative could also get a holiday or stay in a care home.
  • You can get respite through social services. They can do an assessment for you and your relative to see if you need a break.
  • Your local authority may offer you local services or offer you ‘direct payments’ so that you can choose your own respite services.
  • If you cannot get respite through social services then charities may be able to help.

This section covers:

  1. What is respite?
  2. What types of respite are there?
  3. How can I get respite?
  4. How do I find services that offer respite?
  5. Who will pay for my respite?
  6. Who will pay for my relative’s care while I am having a break?
  7. My relative does not get support from social service, can I get respite?
  8. What can I do if I cannot get respite?

 

These pages are created by Rethink Mental Illness Advice Service. Last reviewed August 2015, next review August 2018.

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Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for the millions of people affected by mental Illness. For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other through our services, groups and campaign.


Rethink Mental Illness
Registered Office 89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TP United Kingdom

0121 522 7007 | info@rethink.org

Registered in England Number 1227970. Registered Charity Number 271028.

Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for the millions of people affected by mental Illness by bringing people together through our groups, services and our campaigning.
Rethink Mental Illness
89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TP United Kingdom 0121 522 7007 info@rethink.org
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