What is Respite Care?
Respite care helps carers look after their own health and wellbeing. Taking a break gives them a chance to rest, which helps carers recharge and stay well. It also gives the person being cared for a chance to meet new people and try new things in a safe place.
For the purposes of adult social care support, when we say “carer”, we mean anyone aged 18 or over who regularly gives unpaid help to someone who couldn’t manage without it. This could be because of illness, disability, or getting older.
There are different ways respite care can be provided. These options will be talked about during a Social Care Needs Assessment for the person who needs care, and a Carer’s Assessment for the person who cares for them. If you are a carer, the person you care for will need to consent to a social care needs assessment.
On these pages, you will find information for you and your carer about the different types of respite care available in Knowsley, how to arrange it and how taking a break can make a real difference.