Respite
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:
- What is respite?
- What types of respite are there?
- How can I get respite?
- How do I find services that offer respite?
- Who will pay for my respite?
- Who will pay for my relative’s care while I am having a break?
- My relative does not get support from social service, can I get respite?
- 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.