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Short breaks for carers

Short breaks give carers, and the people they care for, the opportunity to have a break and to 'recharge their batteries'

Overview

This service can arrange short-term breaks after you or your carer have been assessed and can be used to support carers in their caring role.

Short breaks give carers, and the people they care for, the opportunity to have a break and to ‘recharge their batteries’. These breaks used to be known as ‘respite care’.

A short break allows the carer to take a break while the person they care for is still looked after. There are a number of ways for this to happen. This could be an increased package of home care support which may include temporary night care or a short break in a care home.

You can also ask the Council for an assessment – phone 0300 123 2224 or visit our Contact us page to fill in the general enquiry form. If you are eligible they may be able to help you pay for a break and help arrange short-term breaks for you or the person you care for.

All short breaks should be planned and booked in advance with a fixed end date.

important

Could you offer occasional care for a child with disabilities?

Short break foster carers are aged over 21 and have a spare room in their house. This scheme appeals to people with experience of disability who have limited time to give but who want to make a real difference to the life of a disabled child or young person. A payment is made for each of the periods of time the child spends with their foster carer. This is at a higher rate than for mainstream fostering to take account of the extra needs of the child.

Visit Fostering in Somerset website for more information, call 0800 587 9900 or email fosteringteam@somerset.gov.uk and ask about short break caring.

Last updated: October 15, 2024

Next review due: April 15, 2025

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