definition

Respite care is a means of support to give a carer and the person they care for a break from their normal routine and the often stressful demands of their caring situation.  People without a carer can also benefit from a break from their home circumstances.  Short breaks are an essential part of the overall support that families and carers need to help them care for a family member, partner or friend. 

Short breaks should deliver positive outcomes for both the carer and the person with care needs.  Outcomes might include:

• A break from day-to-day routines
• Time to rest and recharge the batteries
• Opportunities to meet new people and build friendships
• Time to pursue personal interests, leisure or cultural activities
• Time to learn and experience new things 
• Improved health, physical and mental well being
• Greater independence and self confidence 

Short breaks should offer opportunities and experiences tailored to individual needs in a variety of settings.  

Breaks can involve either time apart or time together with extra support and can vary from several hours to several weeks.  They can be provided on a planned basis, as a holiday or in emergencies”.

The essential features of good provision are that it should be:

• needs-led
• responsive to people's choices and preferences 
• of good and safe standard
• accessible
• flexible

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 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.

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 to rest and recharge, in much the same way that a holiday might.

The term 'respite', on the other hand, can imply the 'relief from a burden' thereby giving the wrong impression of the caring relationship.  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.