About respite care
What can you expect from a respite break?
If you have mental health problems, in the past respite has often meant a hospital bed. However, respite increasingly means a break away from where you live and from the people you see on a regular basis. There is usually additional help from someone who may or may not take on the role of your carer if you have one. You may just spend time in pleasant surroundings or socialising with other people or there may be activities organised.
Each respite experience is different and it may help to ring a few centres and find out what they do and how well their facilities would suit your needs.
Where can you go?
There is no legislation that says where you should get your respite care or that you should not go abroad. If your break is being provided directly by local authorities, many will have a contract with one or more services offering respite and you may be encouraged to go there. You do not have to opt for one of these services but your choice of break will be expected to be of comparable cost. Direct payments can increase the choice of destination. Charities offering respite and short breaks have services around the country often in desirable tourist locations.
