Sometimes families who have children with disabilities and/or health conditions benefit from having a short break. Taking a break from caring for your child is not an admission of failure or a way of saying you don’t care. Without an occasional break you are likely to become completely exhausted or even unwell. Keeping going is easier if you have had some time to do the things you can’t do whilst looking after your child. Your child can also benefit from the change of scene, the break from you, contact with other people and new experiences. It may also make your life easier if you ever have to leave your child with someone, if they are used to this happening occasionally.
Getting a break
Many people manage to take breaks from caring by asking other members of the family, friends or neighbours to take charge from time to time. However, you may find you need a more formal arrangement that doesn’t depend on other people being available and willing to help you when you need it. Your child’s GP or social worker may be able to arrange a short break, or you may be able to arrange and pay for it privately. There are many different ways of taking a break. What you choose will depend on your child’s needs and what is available locally.
Care at home
Includes sitting services, which provide someone to sit with or ‘mind’ your child, and care attendant schemes, which provide help of various kinds at home, including sitting.
Day care away from home
Includes nurseries, playgroups, opportunity groups, nursery schools and classes for pre-school children as well as child and family centres. There may also be out of school and weekend clubs and, during school holidays, access to playschemes.
Residential breaks
Includes residential homes, special units in hospitals and hospices. Talk to your local social services department.
Family link schemes
Where your child stays with another family on a regular basis or occasionally.
For detailed information about parent's legal rights to short breaks and how to get a break contact our helpline or download our guide.
Holidays
There are holiday centres for adults or children with disabilities or health conditions.
If you need more information
|
|
|
|
Donate Now
makingcontact.org
Subscribe to 