Caring for Carers

Respite - Caring for Carers

When the person you care for has respite care, you may just want to relax at home, or maybe get some jobs done around the house. However sometimes it may be beneficial to have someone to talk to about your caring experiences, e.g. at a Support Group (see below), or it might be nice to go away for a break and be looked after yourself, e.g. The Kiloran Trust - details at the end of this section.

Relief to Carers Service

The Relief to Carers Service (registered with the Care Quality Commission ), is part of Social & Community Services. Trained care staff provide support to people who would be at risk if left on their own for more than a short period of time, to allow carer/s to have a break.

A few hours can be allocated each week to enable the carer to take a break (average is 3 hours per week). Where possible Relief to Carers try to allocate the same care assistant at each visit, in order to provide continuity. Occasional longer or overnight breaks may also be available.

Charges for the Relief to Carers service depend on the financial circumstances of the person being cared for; they will be financially assessed.

Guideposts Trust

Guideposts Trust has a Dementia Information Service which can offer help to carers. To contact us use the 24 hour Helpline Number 0845 1204048 which operates seven days a week.

Support Groups

Going to a carers support group may not be the first thing that springs to mind when respite is mentioned, but sometimes being with other people who understand your situation can really provide a chance to unwind.

A number of support groups exist, that enable carers and family members of people with dementia to meet together. Groups may also have programmes which include speakers and/or social events. Visit Dementia web's local county sites page to see what support groups are in an area near you.

Back to Top

Crossroads - "Caring for Carers"

Crossroads provides a service to support the person with care needs and their carers. A Carer Support Worker talks to the carer to find out what support is required and when, in order to give the carer some time to themselves. Trained care workers then give personal / social / domestic care at home. This can vary from a one hour visit to live in care, and is tailored to meet the individual needs of the carer and the cared for person.

Crossroads take private referrals as well as through GPs, CPNs, Care Managers, etc.

Kiloran Trust - "Respite for Carers"

The Kiloran Trust has a large welcoming house in west London, in which full time carers at home can enjoy a holiday / supportive break (from Monday to Saturday).

The house has 3 en-suite bedrooms. Food is home-made and all meals are provided. You can have breakfast at any time you like, giving you the chance for a long undisturbed lie in. A snack lunch is available to those who are in and the main meal is in the evening. If you have special dietary needs then these can be catered for. You will have your own front door key and will be free to come and go as you like.

You can spend your time doing as you want - sightseeing, resting, shopping, walking in the parks or along the river, seeing friends, going to a west end show, gallery etc. If your idea of a perfect break is to take it really easy in comfort, then you can just enjoy the peace of the house, being cooked and cared for. Good listening is always available - some carers need to unburden and talk about the stresses they are under at home. This is always welcome.

More information is available on The Kiloran Trust website.

Further Information

For more information about support that is available to carers, please see our main section Support for Carers & Family Members.

Back to Top