What is Respite Care?

'Respite Care' is a break in the responsibility of looking after a person in your care. If you are responsible for the care of a loved one it may becomes necessary to have a break for your own wellbeing.

It might be that a carer needs a few days to recharge their batteries, a few hours to get their shopping done, or an unspecified time due to illness - there are many schemes and charities designed to help carers and families with respite care. Local authorities are able to point you in the right direction and it may be possible to get funding for financial assistance.
Respite care for people with cerebral palsy can be provided either in their home as a domiciliary service or in external settings such as day centres and care facilities. When you find a potential provider of respite care it is important to check their accreditations and ask for proof that they have all their DBS checks. It is also recommended that you ask for testimonials and recommendations from people who already used the service.
It is important to make an informed choice of respite care provider. Quality respite is not only beneficial for a child with Cerebral Palsy, but also for their family, friends and carers. The time that respite care provides, no matter how brief, can be necessary to keep the relationship fresh and active.