Respite care

If you look after someone else, you may sometimes need a break. 

Respite care is short-term care provided for an adult who needs support, so that their usual carer can take time off. It can be for a few hours, a few days, or longer, depending on your needs. 

Care can be provided at home, in a community setting, or in a residential or nursing home.

Support you may get:

• Short breaks during the day (sitting services or day centres)
• Overnight or weekend stays in residential or nursing care homes
• Emergency respite if something unexpected happens
• Flexible support tailored to you and the person you care for

Who respite care is for

Respite care is for:

• Unpaid carers (family or friends) who need time to rest, recover, or manage other commitments
• Adults with disabilities, mental health needs, dementia, or long-term health conditions whose carer needs a break
• Carers who need emergency cover, for example, because of illness or crisis

The cost of respite care depends on your circumstances. A financial assessment will work out how much you may need to pay and whether the council can contribute. 

How to access respite care

If you are the main carer, you will need to ask for a carer's assessment to look at your needs and what support would help you. You can request an assessment by referring yourself or another through Trafford Carers.

The adult you care for can also ask for an Adult Social Care assessment to see if respite care should be included in their support plan.

Alternatively, you may be able to arrange respite care privately or through local respite care organisations.