Being a carer can be rewarding but it can be tiring, both physically and emotionally. It is therefore important to take time out for yourself and have a break from caring.
Benefits of taking a break from caring
- a chance for you to relax
- time to boost your energy levels
- reduce any anxiety
- restore patience
These all help to maintain your own health and can be beneficial for the person you care for too.
Ways to get a break from caring
If you need to arrange support for the person you care for whilst you take a break, there are several options to consider including:
- carers break service - a volunteer is matched with the person you care for to spend time with them. This is usually for a few hours a week. This is a free service
- community based support / day opportunities - the person you care for takes part in supported day time group activities. A wide range of support is available across North Yorkshire
- personal assistance support - you employ someone to provide personal assistance support on a one-to-one basis for the person you care for at the times you need it
- home based support - a home care agency worker will spend time with the person you care for, but if needed could help with housework, personal care, companionship both in and outside of the home, as well as provide support overnight
- live-in care - a care worker lives in your home to provide the required support
- Shared Lives service - the person you care for stays in the home of a trained carer. This could be for a day, a weekend or a couple of weeks. They could stay for a single visit or repeated stays
- extra care flat - the person you care for has a short stay in an accessible flat, supported by care workers
- a short stay in a care or nursing home
To help you with your decision about taking a break read the guide to carer breaks.
The most suitable option for you will depend on your personal circumstances, how urgently you need the care, personal choice and cost. To help you decide which is the best option for you please contact us.
If you wish to arrange support yourself, view the North Yorkshire Care Services Directory which lists a range of community based support, home care providers and residential options.
We offer carer breaks for those looking after a relative or friend who meet our eligibility criteria. To see if you are eligible, you and the person you are looking after will both need to have an assessment:
Get a social care needs assessment for the person you are looking after
Paying for care
The person you care for may need to pay towards the cost of services listed on this page. This will depend on their income and savings. They can complete a free financial assessment online to find out if they need to pay.
If the person you care for has savings and / or financial assets of £23,250 or more, they will be asked to pay the full cost of care themselves.
To find out more about the costs involved and to complete a financial assessment visit our paying for care page.