Clackmannanshire Council Online

Respite Care

Respite Care

Overview

All carers need a break from caring time for themselves, when they can do what they want. This break could be for a few hours, days or a longer period and it could be on a regular or occasional basis.

Such a break, also known as respite care or a short break, can be invaluable to help carers recharge their batteries. Respite may also be arranged as an emergency if care arrangements break down at home.

If a carer is needing a supported break, they can request an assessment of their needs from the Community Care Assessment team, who will agree a respite plan with the carer and the person they care for.

The respite element when arranged solely for the carer to have a break from caring is non-chargeable, however, depending on the assessment and if the care is considered solely replaceable care, charges may apply. This will be discussed as part of the assessment process.

For further information and support, please access the community directory.

To find out contact details for your local carers centre for help and advice, please visit the HSCP carers web page.

Types of Respite

Care at home

This gives regular carers and family a break from caring for short periods during the week or at weekends. This can be arranged in the home or the person can be taken out and about locally. This type of respite can be planned to occur at regular times with some flexibility to suit individual needs.

Supported care in local accommodation

The cared-for person might be provided with a local place to stay to give the carer a break. This might be in a care home or supported accommodation. For example, some local care homes can offer respite/short breaks for older people to give carers a break from their caring role.

Specialist accommodation

Respite care in specialist accommodation outside Clackmannanshire can be arranged when an assessment identifies a particular need that cannot be met locally.

Persons who wish to be considered for Respite Care need firstly to be assessed by a member of staff from the Community Care Assessment team. If, however, you would like to have an informal discussion before contacting the Care Team, please contact us using the details below.