Some people prefer to use the term "short breaks" rather than "respite". However, "short breaks" usually refers to shorter periods of care for a few hours or a couple of days, whereas the term "respite" usually means more sustained periods of alternative care.

What kinds of respite care are available?

Respite care and short breaks can take various forms and it is our aim to provide a range of services to meet different needs and preferences.

Respite care can be:

• Care in a residential home for a week or so, or overnight, so that the carer can go away on holiday or have a long rest;
• Care by a trained person for a few hours at home to allow the carer to go out, this can be on a one off or a regular basis (sometimes called 'Shared Lives' or adult placement);
• Care at a day centre or a residential home for the day, to give the carer a break for a day or more a week;
• An informal sitting service to enable the carer to go out; or
• Care in a family setting, usually for people with a learning disability.

Receiving respite care services from social care services

Respite care is available through social care services to those people meeting our eligibility criteria. To access this, you and the person you care for will need to have a carer assessment. The assessment will take your needs as a carer into account as well as the wishes of the person you care for.

It is still worth having a carer assessment even if you think that you would not benefit from a respite service. The assessment could result in you or the person you care for receiving different types of support. You may have separate assessments if you wish.

The amount of respite available will depend on your individual assessment, but it is important to note that resources are limited. In an assessment of the carer we try to establish: what the impact of the caring role is on the carer as an individual; on their health; their ability to see friends and have a life of their own; and their need to maintain employment or training.

Independent respite support through carers' centres

Some voluntary sector organisations provide services such as sitting services, which can give you a welcome break. Your local carers' centre will be able to provide more information about respite care.

Charges for respite care or short breaks

You may be charged for respite services but this will depend on the support provided and where relevant, an assessment of your financial circumstances. Please see the respite charges page for more information.

Respite breaks and holidays

You may want to pay for a longer break away for yourself and the person you care for. See the links below for information on accessible holiday opportunities.

Grants may be available through national charities to enable some people to have a break. Contact your local carers' centre for more information.

	Related information from NHS Choices Links to information about respite care on the NHS Choices website. Carers direct The carers directsection provides information, advice and support for carers. Caring for carers Caring for a disabled relative or friend can be a rewarding experience, but without the right support it can also be a difficult one. See the caring for carerspage for more information on organisations that can provide practical and financial help. Your own wellbeing The page on your own wellbeingprovides advice on health, fitness, emotions and relationships while looking after someone else and how to get help.

Social care Apply for social care support and advice

Useful downloads Supporting carers in North Yorkshire - a statement from North Yorkshire County Council 2011-2012 [482kb] [pdf] This statement aims to combine the main principles of the 'Recognised, valued and supported' and 'Carers at the heart of the 21st century families and communities' national reports and to outline our commitment to supporting carers for the next 12 months. Supporting carers in North Yorkshire - a statement from North Yorkshire County Council 2011-2012 (easy read format) [281kb] [pdf] An easy read version of the 'Supporting carers in North Yorkshire - a statement from North Yorkshire County Council 2011-2012' document.   Weblinks Please note: All external websites open in a new browser window and NYCC is not responsible for the content of external websites. Carers Trust Carers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. Short Breaks Network The Short Breaks Network charity aims to increase the quality, diversity and availability of short breaks for disabled children and young people. Vitalise Vitalise (formerly Winged Fellowship Trust) is a national charity providing services for disabled and visually impaired people. They provide breaks for carers and opportunities for volunteers. Contacts Customer services centre (social care enquiries) Full contact details for the customer services centre, including how to call in personally, can be found below. social.care@northyorks.gov.uk Tel: 0845 034 9410 Fax: 01609 532009 Full details for Customer services centre (social care enquiries) Compliments, complaints, comments and concerns (adult social care) Help us get it right. Please tell us your views about adult social care services provided by North Yorkshire County Council. Your comments can help us to improve our services and plan for the future. social.complaints@northyorks.g... Tel: 01609 532638 Fax: 01609 532025 Full details for Compliments, complaints, comments and concerns (adult social care)