Carer Breaks

Carer Breaks

There are a number of ways in which carers can take time out from their caring role, depending on what suits them and the person that they care for.

• A paid care worker may support the person with a learning disability to take part in some community activity, whilst the carer has a break from their caring role. They may also provide support in the person’s own home whilst the carer goes out, or is able to spend time doing an activity of their choice, rather than looking after the person with a learning disability.
• A paid care worker may stay overnight with the person with a learning disability in their own home whilst the carer goes away for a break, or is able to stay in bed rather than getting up to provide assistance to the person with a learning disability.
• The person that they care for may go into a residential home (such as Newton Lane) for one or more nights.

Direct Payments

These are payments made to the person who is cared for, so that they can arrange support to meet their needs, whilst their carer has a break. The person cared for can have as much or as little support as they need to arrange the break and may choose to have their carer do this for them.