More than 80% of carers believe that caring has harmed their own health, according to the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. Taking a break is vital to help carers to manage the impact that caring has on their lives.
The “Take a Break” scheme was introduced in 2010 to address this issue.
What is the ‘Take a Break’ scheme?
It is a county wide subsidised scheme established in 2010 which gives carers of adults a single route to arrange day time or evening breaks from their caring responsibilities. The breaks are provided by a care worker coming to look after the cared for person so the carer can have a break. The care worker may stay in the carers home in a ‘sitting’
arrangement or may ‘escort’ the cared for person out of the home for a social activity.
Who can use ‘Take a Break’ services?
This is a service for carers of adults. A carer is someone who looks after family, partners or friends in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The care they provide is unpaid.
The service is available for all carers who look after an older person or someone with a physical or sensory disability over the age of 18 years.
