What are the alternatives to respite care in a care home?

Having respite or short stay care in a care home doesn't suit everyone. 

The following give you options that you can access either in the community or in your own home.

Day or social programmes are a great way of allowing your carer to take a break, while also giving you a chance to have a day out where you can socialise and engage in meaningful activities. This may be funded/paid for in a number of ways:

• Privately self-funded
• The programme may be funded by a third party e.g., health or social service agency but you may be required to pay a top up fee to cover the full amount of the service.
• A subsidy such as the Carer Support Subsidy may be available if you have been assessed by your local NASC as being eligible.

Respite at home can be provided by most Home and Community support agencies however for this to be a funded service it would either have to be included in your care plan  (which is informed by your assessment) or you would need to use any Carer Support subsidy allocation you have. Again you can pay privately if you have the means.

Read more about respite care on our Knowledge Lab.