Taking a Break from Caring
Enjoying a break (sometimes known as respite) from your caring role can have a positive effect on both you and the person you support.
Taking a break, (sometimes known as respite) might take many forms, as does the support you need to achieve this. For most family carers taking a break is essential to their wellbeing. A break could be as little as 5 minutes, an hour here and there or something planned for longer. Whether you give physical care or emotional support it is still important to take a break.
For some people taking a break might be possible while you are with the person you support, for example gardening, reading, attending a community group or holidaying together. For others replacement care might be needed to take a break
What do you need?
What would give you a physical and/or emotional break from your caring role?
What activities do you enjoy or would you like to start?
- Going to the gym or an exercise class
- Seeing a friend for lunch
- Having a weekend away
- Attending an interest based community group
- Going for a walk
- Time for yourself (sitting in garden with cup of tea)
- Or you may just need some space in your day.
Making it happen
You may need to consider how you would cover the needs of the person you care for whilst you are taking a break – do they need care throughout the day, can they cope on their own for a few hours?
Replacement care could be provided by a friend, other family members or a neighbour. The good neighbour scheme in your area might be able to help. Replacement care could also be provided by a care agency, day service or residential setting.
If you are aware of other services or schemes who can help please let us know.
- Does the person you care for attend services or activities where they are supported? Could YOU take a break then?
- Have you heard of assistive technology, could this help?
- If the person you care for is over 18 year old, having a Carers Assessment might be helpful to discuss your needs.
- It might also be useful to look to see if you are eligible for support for the person you care for with a Care Needs Assessment and Attendance Allowance.
Asking for help
It can feel difficult to ask friends, family or neighbours for help however, there are different types of support that they could offer. It might be coming to sit with the person you care for, it might be helping with the housework or gardening or it might be coming to have a cup of tea and a chat with you. Identifying how others can help and support you could make a real difference to the time you have for yourself.
Accepting help
Many people who are caring and supporting others tell us they often feel guilty if they take a break or ask for some help. In our workshops we talk about not being able to ‘pour from an empty cup’ and how we all need to recharge our batteries.
As part of your caring role you may wish to consider…
- Are you doing too much- What can you do to help this situation?
- Does the person you care for need support with washing and dressing?
- Do you find any part of your caring role difficult?
What about the person you care for…
- Would they like to do more?
- Would they like to have more independence at home or in the community?
- Would they like to explore employment or volunteer opportunities?
- Would they like to take up a new or old hobby?
Social Prescribing
Social Prescribing is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.
Your GP might also have a social Prescribing service available, you can find out more here:
If you live in Waveney your Social Prescribing support can be accessed through your GP surgery
How can we help?
Events
Check out our events page for details of upcoming respite activities
Young Carers & Young Adult Carers
Our Young Carers and Young Adult Carers Service provide regular respite activities for registered carers up to 24 years of age. To register yourself or a young person with the service please click HERE
Days Out
Suffolk Family Carers has a pass that you can use free of charge for Easton Farm Park the Food Museum in Stowmarket and Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm . You can go alone, with your family or with the person you care for.
Parent Carers
Parent carers provide support to their children, including grown up children who could not manage without their help. You may be caring for a child or young person under the age of 18, or under the age of 25 if they have additional needs such as special educational, physical or mental health needs or a disability.
Neurological Care Breaks
Do you support someone with a Neurological condition? If the person you care for has a neurological condition and you provide significant care, we have access to funding which you may be eligible. This is to help provide some replacement care, to allow your to have a break from caring, please complete our online application form or for more assistance call The Hub on 01473 835477
Respite on Prescription
Never put off a medical procedure you need. If you need a planned medical procedure, appointment or operation, you may be eligible for Respite on Prescription to help pay for some replacement care for the person you support. Please speak to your GP who will be able to do your referral.
