Our Short Breaks service can allow you as a carer to take a break from your caring role.
During this time, a paid carer - or Short Breaks support worker - looks after the 'cared for' person while you do something else.
In Hounslow, this service is delivered by Harlington Care.
Who it's for
The service is for carers of adults (aged 18 years or over) who have care and support needs because of age, illness or disability (physical or mental).
The ‘cared for’ person must live in the borough of Hounslow in order for the carer to receive the service.
Type of support
While the carer takes a break from their caring role, the Short Breaks support worker can assist with most everyday tasks, including:
- personal care – washing, dressing, going to the toilet, eating and drinking
- administering medicine (subject to appropriate training)
- house cleaning and laundry
- taking the ‘cared for’ person to appointments
- organising and accompanying the ‘cared for’ person on leisure activities
- doing activities with the ‘cared for’ person if they wish
Length of respite
The number of hours allocated varies according to the carer's circumstances.
Allocated hours will be regularly reviewed and adjusted if necessary.
Make a request
To request a Short Break, you first need a carer's assessment.
Short Break cover in a crisis
In a crisis, an ‘emergency’ Short Break can be considered at short notice (usually one working day). An assessment will be carried out and provisional break hours will be allocated. The situation would then be reviewed within one month.
As a carer, you should also consider having a contingency plan through the carer's emergency card.
