About short breaks

A short break is desiged to give a break to the carer to ebable them to take some time away form their caring role, knowing that the person they care for is being well looked after.

Eligibility

Anyone who undertakes a caring role for a relative or friend may be able to access short break services if they meet the eligibility criteria. The short break service can be provided to carers of:

• Adults with a physical disability from the age of 18 upwards
• Adults with long term illness
• Adults requiring nursing care
• Adults with dementia

The need for the short break service is identified in an assessment under the NHS and Community Care Act 1990, which includes assessments of carer’s needs under the Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995. A care manager will carry out these assessments.

Breaks during the day

Sit-in services at your home can be provided by Crossroads, a registered charity supporting carers. 

Day care services are also available at council-owned residential homes for older people such as Fosters Residential Home and Suffolk Lodge.

Other places offering services can be found on the Wokingham Information Network including:

• Westmead Day Centre
• WADE day centre
• Woodley Age Concern
• Pinehaven Day Centre
• Lady Elizabeth Day Centre
• Pakistani Community Centre

Breaks away from the home 

Residential care homes: offer short term care, providing and assisting with daily living tasks such as washing, bathing, dressing and offering meal time assistance in a 24 hour care environment.

Nursing homes: offer the same services as residential care homes, as well as having trained nurses for specific nursing care needs.

Short break centres: provide short term care for physically disabled adults, providing for needs with trained staff as well as providing stimulation through activities and outings. Visit the Brambles Centre website for more information.

EMI (elderly mentally infirm) homes: offer specialist care for people with dementia.