Respite care
Introduction
Respite care may involve providing alternative family or institutional care for a person with a disability in order to enable the carer to take a short break, a holiday or a rest. It can cover very short-term respite, for example, a carer for an evening, or a much longer arrangement for a holiday. Schemes of respite care are sometimes called 'Breakaway' or 'Friendship' schemes.
Respite care or temporary care may be based in the community or in an institution. In practice, respite care is provided to a varying degree at a number of locations around the country – in some cases by your Health Service Executive (HSE) Area and in others by local or national voluntary organisations.
Care is provided at a number of locations around the country for people with
different disabilities. The person being cared for may be admitted to a HSE
nursing home for a period of two weeks. Longer stays may be possible in some
circumstances. Respite care is organised through your public health
nurse or family doctor (GP). Alternative care with a family is sometimes
available for children with disabilities, whereas institutional care is usually
provided for older people. Sometimes, summer camp arrangements can be made for
children with disabilities. These are funded by local HSE Areas at no cost to
individuals.
Carer's Support Grant
The Carer's
Support Grant (formerly called the Respite Care Grant) is an annual cash
payment made by the Department of Social Protection to
certain carers for use as they wish.
Where to apply
Apply to the Disability Services Manager in your Local Health Office and/or to a voluntary organisation that caters for people with the relevant disability.