The purpose of respite care is to give a break to the carer and to provide a change in routine for the person being cared for. A variety of respite services are provided by social work and the voluntary sector for most client groups including older people with mental health problems and people with disabilities.
You may be entitled to respite care in the form of a temporary place in residential accommodation or provision of an alternative qualified carer.
In terms of child care, respite care is a form of short-term substitute care provided by someone other than the parents or usual carers for a child. Respite care is a key support to families and is organised to suit the needs of the particular child and family. It can take place in a hospital, residential setting or in the child's own home. It gives parents free time to give them a rest, to spend time with their other children or in an emergency.
Respite care for adults costs £66.15 per week. It is free for children and young people under 18 years of age.
How often you can receive respite care will depend on an assessment of needs, and the availability of respite care.