Taking a break from caring

Everyone needs a break sometimes – especially people who care for others. In Knowsley, we call this kind of break respite care. It means someone else steps in to help the person who needs care, so their usual carer can take time off.

Types of Respite Care

Ways of taking a break can include:

Care in the home

A trained carer visits your home to provide support. This is helpful for people who want care to continue in a place that they already know well.

Short stay in a care home

You stay in a care home for a few nights or more. Staff are there to help with daily tasks and provide care throughout the day and night. This can mean that carers are able to book a longer break away.

Day services

You spend time during the day at a place where you can take part in activities, meet others and be supported by trained staff.

Shared Lives

You are matched with a carefully trained, paid carer and live in their home as part of the family. This offers a safe and welcoming place where you can enjoy daily life, build relationships and get help with everyday tasks.

Knowsley Council’s Adult Respite Service

Provides respite to adults with learning disabilities, autism, sensory needs, mental health needs or physical disabilities. You spend time in an individual or shared home where you can take part in activities you enjoy and are helped with daily living tasks by a team of on-site support workers. Booking is dependent on availability and whether you are assessed as eligible to use this service.

Direct payment

A direct payment is an allocated sum of money made to individuals who have been assessed as eligible to receive social care or support. So instead of the Council arranging or providing services directly, you are given the money to buy the support and services you need. This can provide more flexibility and control over the type and timing of respite care received.

Chat with us