HELPING CARERS GET A BREAK AWAY FROM THEIR CARING ROLE

Inverclyde Carers Centre has a small budget that can help individual carers to have a short break, sometimes referred to as respite, for up to four hours each week.

Does this apply to me?

All Carers registered with the Centre can access short breaks, sometimes on a regular basis or for one off events. 

Short Breaks can help you:

·       Attend appointments                 

·       Go to a family celebration          

·       Take part in learning                 

·       Come along to support groups  

·       Pursue a leisure interest           

·       Meet up with friends                 

·       Get some time to yourself         

How can I access this?

·       Contact one of the centre staff who will discuss your needs.                              

·       Staff will then contact one of the authorised Social Care providers, approved by Social Work Services, and organise Care Worker support. 

·       Where ongoing support is required we’ll arrange an initial meeting.  This will give both you, and the person you care for, a chance to get to know the Care Worker. 

·       After 6 weeks the Carers Centre will contact you to review the arrangement.

Short Breaks for Groups

Carers may feel they need a longer break away from their caring role to help them recharge or relax and we can help by meeting accommodation and travel costs.

 This could be two carers or a larger group of carers going away for a few days.  Again, this facility is available to all Carers registered with Inverclyde Carers Centre.

 After identifing a short break, of up to 7 nights, and obtaining quotations for accomodation and transport, the group should complete the “Short Breaks for Groups” application form and return it to a member of Inverclyde Carers Centre staff.  This will then be passed to the Project Manager for consideration. All applications will be considered individually.

What about the person I care for?

Care Managers or the Short Breaks Bureau may be able to organise respite to allow you to get a longer break.

The Difference Carers Tell Us This Makes

“First time in 19 years I have felt less stress.” 

“Meeting other Carers was great as I don’t normally have time to myself.”

 “Last 4 months have been stressful for me and I found this ideal, not too far away but far enough!”

“Laughed from the moment I got on the bus will I got off.” 

“As a Carer you feel you are alone, but when you meet other carers you know you are not alone.” 

“Being with others outside my own caring role really helped, I was able to be me!”