Taking a break from caring

Caring for someone can be a full-time job and, like any job, you sometimes need to take a break. Being a carer can be emotionally and physically tiring, and it's important to look after your own health and wellbeing. Taking a break from caring is essential, even if it's only for a few hours.

Taking a break is sometimes referred to as 'replacement' or 'respite' care.

Below we have information on some of the services available and what help we can give.

You can find more services that help with breaks in our Information for Carers Booklet [2MB]  (we can post you a copy on request). You can also find services that help with breaks and holidays on our directory.

Paying for respite care

If you arrange your own respite care, you will need to pay.

If your replacement care services are provided by West Berkshire Council, you may need to pay. You may need to pay the full cost, contribute to the cost, or be funded by the council. The amount you need to pay will depend on the financial assessment of the person who is being cared for, as the recipient of the service.

Home care agencies and personal assistants

You may want to employ a personal assistant or pay a home care agency to help you with your caring responsibilities.

You find out more about care at home here. There is a list of home care providers and personal assistants on our directory.

Crossroads Care

Crossroads is a charity providing carer breaks. These breaks allow unpaid carers to take a couple of hours to, for example, shop, meet friends, get involved in a hobby, while a fully trained Care Support Worker supports the person they care for in their home. For all services, a comprehensive assessment is carried out in the home to make sure the needs of the person being cared for are accommodated.

If you are eligible for support from West Berkshire Council, we may fund your break, though this is subject to availability. You can also purchase extra hours. If you are not eligible for support from the council or you get help from Crossroads directly, you will need to pay for this service.

To find out more about Crossroads, visit the Crossroads Care website, email care@oxfordshirecrossroads.org.uk or call 01635 30008.

Help from the council

Our Adult Social Care team will be able to advise on the options available to enable you to have a break.

We may also be able to provide some services such as a short break in a care home or regular day services. You can find information on council support, including eligibility and one-off carer's payments, on page 5 of the  Information for Carers Booklet [2MB] . There is a charge for any replacement care services we provide.

Contact our Adult Social Care contact centre, or complete our online enquiry form.