Flexible Short Breaks and Respite Care

Flexible short breaks or respite care are designed to give you more choice and control about where, when, and how you want to take a break. For example:

you could use a care agency or employ someone to stay with you at home while your carer takes a short break
you could change the times of your break - one week you may need a Friday evening and the next a Tuesday afternoon
you could arrange a short break away from home
you or your carer could follow a hobby or interest.

Breaks vary in length generally from a few hours to a couple of weeks and can take place in various settings, including:

your own home
a Short Breaks carer's home
a respite-only unit
a care home
hospital
in community facilities
in holiday facilities.

Who are flexible short breaks for?

Flexible short breaks are for adults who have support needs due to health problems or disabilities, and their carers.

How do I get a short break?

Contact your local Social Work office. You can also speak to your Community Nurse, Occupational Therapist or key health worker about getting a short break.

How much will it cost?

Before receiving a service we will ask for information about your finances including your income and capital. We will not ask you for information about your carer's finances. Depending on your finances, you may be expected to pay the full charge or part of the charge for a short break. If you are on a low income you may qualify for a reduction in the charge or for a free service.

Direct Payments

Short breaks are also available through Direct Payments which give more choice about who provides a short break and when. More information about this service is available from your local Social Work office or you can contact the Agency directly:

Borders Direct Payment Agency
Anderson's Chambers, Market Street, Galashiels TD1 3AF
Tel: 01896 759700
Direct Payments website (this link will take you to another site).

Care Breaks website

Information about short breaks and respite care options can be found on the Care Breaks website which has been developed in partnership with the Princess Royal Trust Borders Carers Centre.

More information

More information is available in our leaflet, Need a Break? (pdf 62.0 Kb).