Looking after someone 24 hours a day can be very hard work, however much you care about them. It requires endless energy even when you may be feeling below par or in desperate need of a holiday yourself. "Carer" and "Cared For" are not super-human and need a break now and again.
Short-term breaks can be provided:
- In your own home
- At a day care centre
- In a residential care home or a nursing home
- In the evening
- At the weekend
- Mid-week
- To meet your individual needs
The trick is finding reliable, affordable services to temporarily take your place. And between them, the voluntary and independent sector and the local authority offer a wide range of services for short-term breaks. Some of these you can arrange directly yourself. Some of these you can arrange through Social and Caring Services. While you take a well-earned rest, the person you care for can enjoy a suitable break in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The degree of difficulty and cost to you and your family, will depend on how prepared you are.
How do I start?
- Decide what help you need and when.
- Tailor a short-term break to your individual needs.
- Do you need a weekend off regularly?
- Do you want company if you're feeling isolated?
- Do you want to take a short-term break together?
- Can you take your pets with you? If not, who will look after them?
Identify everyone who might be able to help you:
- Are you on your GP's register of carers?
- If you are a carer have your own needs been assessed?
- What help is available in your community?
- How can you get help if you aren't familiar with the services available?
- Do you qualify for financial help?
Prepare well in advance of your break
- Make a list of your special needs.
- Help your service provider to get to know your habits and personality as fully as possible.
- Meet your chosen service provider in your home or theirs.
- Resolve any fears or concerns before the break starts.
The bottom line:
Services are already available to help people just like you. Make good use of them.
West Sussex Forum resources
The Short Break Bureau - Not yet available
Search for care homes - Search by type of care, length of stay, source of funding.
Assess you needs - A checklist to help you list your needs.
Other resources
Age Concern (West Sussex
)
Tel: 01243 775 588
The Carer's Website
www.carers.gov.uk
Carers National Association
Tel: 0808 808 7777
Carer's Liason
Worthing Tel: 01903 528 600
Mid-Downs Tel: 01293 553 395
Chichester Tel: 01243 527 011
Social & Caring Services Locality Offices
Adur Tel: 01273 268 800
Arun(Bognor) Tel: 01243 852 800
Arun (Littlehampton) Tel: 01903 738 900
Chichester Tel: 01243 752 999
Crawley Tel: 01293 895 100
Horsham Tel: 01403 213 100
Mid Sussex Tel: 01444 446 100
Worthing Tel: 01903 708 100
