"A short break (also known as respite care) is a break from normal routine, designed to be of benefit both to a person with a disability, long term illness or need and to their carer (where they have one) to support their relationship. Short breaks should offer opportunities and experiences tailored to meet individual needs in a variety of settings. Short breaks can be either time apart or time together with extra support. Short breaks can vary from several hours to several weeks and be provided on a planned basis, as a holiday or in emergencies”.
The essential features of good provision are that it should be:
Respite or short break services can take a number of forms. Traditionally it has been viewed in many quarters as a break provided in a residential facility or similar settings, often to relieve a crisis. This is, however, a very limited view of a service. There are already a number of examples in Scotland of existing good quality and innovative services provided both within and outwith the individual's home. These include:-
local authority or voluntary sector specialist residential units;
home support services (e.g. from Crossroads);
local authority and voluntary sector short breaks (e.g. Shared Care family based schemes);
befriending schemes;
day care;
provision within supported housing;
holidays (with care and support) for users;
arrangements where the carer and the dependent relative/friend remain together.
To download a 'Glossary' of short break services, please click here.Short Break or Respite?
These terms tend to be used interchangably. Evidence suggests that carers and service users prefer the term 'short break' or 'care break' signifying a break from the routine, in a way that a holiday might. The term 'respite' can on the other hand suggest something burdensome and perhaps negative and give the wrong impression. However, while we prefer to use the term short break, respite should not be disregarded just yet as this more traditional term is still very much used and recognised.
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