What types of short breaks are available?
Short breaks (often called ‘respite care’) can be provided for a few hours, a day, a night or for a number of days or weeks. It can be a one-off or organised on a regular basis. Someone may come into the home or the person you care for may spend time away from their home. This section explains some of the short breaks services available in Gateshead. How can I get a break? There is always a heavy demand for short breaks and it is best to try and organise them as far in advance as possible. There are a number of ways of arranging a break, this depends upon: • The health of the person you are looking after • The financial position of the person you are looking after • The kind of break required You could contact • Community Based Services: either contact the Social Worker already involved in the person’s care, or speak to the Duty Social Worker. You, or the person you care for, will need to have an assessment by Community Based Services. (See Section 2 – Carers’ rights) If it is decided
