Respite Care and Short Breaks

Respite care is short-term care used as a temporary alternative to a person’s usual care arrangements. Services that provide breaks from caring can take many forms and ‘one size doesn’t fit all’. Respite care and short breaks may be beneficial for a person with dementia and their carers. Time spent apart enables a person with dementia to engage in meaningful activities and enables the carer to ‘recharge’ their batteries and feel refreshed knowing the person with dementia is in a safe and comfortable environment.

Respite Care and Short Breaks in East Dunbartonshire

If you are caring for someone with dementia there is more information on Respite Care and Short Breaks specific to East Dunbartonshire. Individuals may want to make use of Self Directed Support in order to make arrangements which suit their needs.

If you hope to receive help from East Dunbartonshire Council with payment towards respite fees, then a community care assessment must be completed. Contact Customer Services on 0300 123 4510 and ask for Social Work for further details.

If you wish to make your own arrangements Shared Care Scotland is the national charity that works to improve the quality, choice and availability of short break (respite care) provision across Scotland, It also provides a searchable database of short break services. When making your own arrangements it is very important to ensure the service you use is registered with the Care Inspectorate.

Managing Feelings of Guilt or Anxiety

Many people who care for someone with dementia feel worried or guilty about taking a break and leaving the person they are supporting, even for a short period. It is important to remember the following points:

• If a carer stretches themselves too far and becomes ill or depressed, life may become more difficult both for them and for the person with dementia
• Carers are entitled to time to themselves, to do what they want to do

Many carers find it helpful to discuss their concerns with a professional with knowledge of dementia and also other carers. Contact Carers Link to speak to someone who understands your concerns and who will be able to explore respite options with you. You can also contact East Dunbartonshire Dementia Network or call the 24 hour Alzheimer Scotland telephone helpline 0808 808 3000. If possible carers should try to discuss the options for respite or short breaks with the person with dementia.