Caring for someone can be very rewarding – you may develop a deep and meaningful bond with the person you care for built on trust, understanding, and compassion.
But caring can also be physically and emotionally demanding. The commitment it requires can take a toll on both your mental and physical health.
As part of the York Carers Strategy Group, a local survey was undertaken in 2023 to understand what carers need in terms of breaks and the care options available. This helped identify the support that would make the greatest difference to them. It was published by City of York Council here.
More than 90% of carers who responded to the survey expressed a need for a break from their caring responsibilities.
Many carers who completed the survey expressed a desire for breaks where they can connect with other carers to share experiences with people who understand their situation and challenges.
Over 60% of carers told us they would enjoy a family holiday away.
Carers shared that being able to take a holiday as a family is incredibly important, as it allows them to create memories and share experiences with the person they care for.
“There’s a huge assumption that carer breaks are wanted just for carers, but carers want to share experiences with their loved ones”
But carers also may need to take time away for themselves.
“We use short breaks to give our son a break away from his sibling but we never get a break. We are desperate for both children to be looked after so we could have a night or weekend away.”
Carers told us that they are reluctant to leave the person they care for with someone else while taking a break, as they worry their loved one(s) may feel uncomfortable in their absence, or that their needs may not be adequately met in their absence.
“We cannot leave him with just anyone and only close family are able to meet his needs. However, as he gets bigger and stronger there is only a limited time family members will be able to help look after him.”
Family and friends can be helpful in giving you time to take a break. Their familiarity with both your needs and those of your loved one means you can feel reassured and relaxed, knowing they’ll provide the care and support needed while you take some well-deserved time away.
If family or friends are unable to help, there are other options available:
City of York Council worked with other Local Authorities to create a guide to carer breaks which can be found here.
The Care Quality Commission – which is the health and social care regular for England – and has an online directory of registered independent quality rating to help you decide which service to use. Also, Homecare Association is a professional association of home care providers. It has a ‘Homecare Agency Finder’ directory of home care organisations, many of which provide short-term care. They also have a guide called ‘Choosing Care at Home’.
Not everyone is able to afford a break. Whether you are looking to take time away with your loved one or need a break on your own, there are several ways to access financial support to help cover the cost.
Depending on eligibility, Social Services may be able to assist by providing a personal budget to the person you care for, helping to fund their care while you take a short break from your caring role. To access this support, an assessment will be required. Find out more about Care Needs Assessment for adults here or short breaks for disabled children here.
Grants are payments made by the government or an organisation and do not need to be repaid. We have provided information below about some of the options available but you can search for other grants by using Turn2us or disability-grants.org
As an unpaid carer, you are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment of Need, designed to help you consider your own needs in your caring role. Following this assessment, you may be eligible for a direct payment to support activities that benefit you as a carer.
Many carers use this support to take a much-needed break. Please note, it cannot be used to fund services for the person you care for. The Carer’s Assessment of Need is free, confidential, and does not require the person you care for to have had an assessment or be receiving support.
For assistance with applying for a Carer’s Assessment, please visit Carers Assessment of Need.
Our Advice Worker may be able to support you to apply for a grant or give you more information about the options available to you. You can get in touch with us at enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk or by calling 01904 715490 to request an appointment.
We offer a variety of support groups, providing carers with the opportunity to take a break, meet others, and engage in open conversations within a safe and supportive environment.
Please visit Activities to find out about our upcoming Carer Support Groups.
We facilitate the Carers Action Group which is a focus group made up of professionals and unpaid carers. These meetings provide a platform for discussing issues that are important to carers, with key concerns being presented to the relevant agencies, ensuring that carers’ voices are heard and valued.
For more information on what we do and how we can support you, please click here.
To register with us please email enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk or call us on 01904 715 490.
