Respite care provides temporary support so that a family member or unpaid carer can take a break from their caring responsibilities.
For people with cerebral palsy and their families, respite can take several forms and may range from support for a few hours to an overnight or longer short break.
What Does Respite Care Include?
Depending on local services and individual needs, respite might involve:
- support in the person's own home
- day activities
- short breaks
- overnight care
- holiday activities for disabled children
- support from another care provider.
The person with cerebral palsy should receive appropriate, safe support while their usual carer takes time away from caring responsibilities.
Respite for Families with Disabled Children
Local authorities can provide various forms of help for disabled children.
GOV.UK lists short-break services, holiday play schemes, care at home and some aids and adaptations among the assistance local councils may provide to eligible families.
In England and Wales, GOV.UK also provides a route for families to find their local authority for short-term care or respite services.
How Do I Access Respite Care?
A good starting point is your local authority's social care team.
An assessment may look at the needs of the person with cerebral palsy as well as the impact caring has on their family or carer.
Availability and eligibility vary between areas.
Choosing Respite Care
Good respite should meet the individual's needs rather than simply providing somewhere for them to stay.
Consider:
- accessibility
- staff experience
- communication needs
- medication
- mobility and personal care
- interests and activities
- routines and preferences.
The person receiving support should be involved in decisions wherever possible.
Taking a Break from Caring
Carers sometimes feel uncomfortable about taking time away.
However, regular breaks can provide time to rest, work, spend time with other family members or simply do something unrelated to caring.
Respite should benefit both the carer and the person with cerebral palsy. For some people, it can also provide opportunities to develop independence, enjoy different activities and build relationships outside their immediate family.
Sources and further information
Useful websites
- GOV.UK: Short-term care for a disabled child
Find local short-break and respite-care services.
- GOV.UK: Help if you have a disabled child
Information about local support, short breaks and financial help.