All carers need time for themselves, whether it’s a couple of hours or a regular day each week or month, or a longer break over a week or two.  You might want to relax, or get jobs done that you can’t do otherwise, meet friends or family or keep up with your own leisure activities. This time is often called respite care.

If you do get a break you will feel fresher and it may allow you to carry on caring and avoid exhaustion and ill health.  Many carers find it very hard to “let go” at first, even for a short period, and some feel guilty that they should even want to.  A useful booklet called, “Taking a Break” is free from:

“Taking a Break”, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE85 2AQ

It is important to start finding out about different types of alternative care as soon as you can.  Even if you feel that you don’t need a break at the moment, it is important to look at the alternatives and see which suits yourself and the person you care for.  There may be a waiting list or a time delay for some of these and so the earlier you express an interest the better.

You need to contact Adult and Community Services for an assessment of your need for respite care.  You may then be allocated a certain number of days at a respite care unit.  Generally, once this is agreed, you make your own arrangements with the unit – remember weekends and summer holidays will probably be booked up well in advance so plan ahead.

Activities, which are offered to any person with a learning disability outside their own home, also give parents or carers a break.  (See the section on Leisure.)

Adult and Community Services has an obligation, under the Chronically sick and Disabled Persons Act, to facilitate the taking of holidays (this includes the possibility of financial help after a financial assessment of the person with a learning disability has been carried out). 
(See section on Holidays.)

Many find it hard to accept respite care and feel guilty because they believe they should be able to cope alone.  Remember that your dependant will also enjoy and benefit from good respite care.  Take time to explore what is available so that you can feel confident of the care your son or daughter or adult dependant will receive.

Respite Care is available in various places, contact is through:

 
RESPITE CARE FOR ADULTS

This is available at:
65A Valley Road, Northallerton                                                          
Isabella Court, Pickering                                                                      
Phylward House, Harrogate                                                                
Balmaclellan, Catterick Village                                                           
The Bungalow, York                                                                              

RESPITE CARE FOR CHILDREN (UP TO 16 YEARS)
This is available at:

Support for families of children with disabilities, including respite care, weekly youth group (ages 13-23), holiday play schemes (under 12) and family social activities.

 
SITTING SERVICES

This is where a person comes into your home to be with the person you care for.  This is generally for a short period of time to give carers the opportunity to go shopping or have an evening out or other similar activities.

Northallerton Volunteer Bureau may be able to provide a volunteer to befriend the person with a learning disability thus meaning that the carer could have a break.  Contact: