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Asking for help from family or friends

One idea is to ask family, friends or perhaps a neighbour, to provide a small amount of care. This could be a couple of hours a week to give you time to relax or catch-up on seeing friends.

A local care group may be able to provide half a day's care a few times a month. There are carers' groups in many parts of the country. Some areas have carers' workers whose job is to co-ordinate groups and get support for people.

• Contact with other carers
• Organisations and charities for carers

Short-term care

Some local authorities provide a wide range of services to give carers a break. Sometimes, the choice may be limited or there may be a wait. It is important to find out the availability of services and how to access them.

Here are some services which may help you to take a break:

• Care homes (general health and well-being section)

Short-term breaks

Your local authority may work with voluntary organisations or charities across the country and involve specialist short-break providers to offer you a break.

A short-term break can be achieved in many ways and doesn't necessarily mean going away from home. You and the person you care for may want to stay together during a break - or you may not.

What's important is that both you, and the person you care for, are happy with whatever arrangements are made.

Apply for a short-term break for a carer locally

The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website, where you can apply for a short-term break and/or find out more.

• Apply for a short term break for a carer locally (opens new window)

Vouchers

You and the person you care for may be able to receive vouchers from your local authority for short-term breaks. This gives you the freedom to choose where and when to have a break. These schemes aren't everywhere so check with your local social services.