Respite Support and Short Break Opportunities for Unpaid Carers in Swindon
Taking a break is not a luxury. It's an important part of maintaining your health and wellbeing as a carer.
We know that caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Finding time to rest, attend appointments, spend time with family and friends, or simply recharge can make a significant difference to your wellbeing.
Although there is support and respite available for unpaid carers through Swindon Carers Together, to help unpaid carers explore respite options, we have compiled information about local and national services that may be able to provide support.
Free Care and Respite Guidance from CHS Healthcare
If you're unsure where to begin, CHS Healthcare (Care Home Selection) offers a free UK-wide service to help individuals and families find the right care solution.
Their experienced advisers can help you explore residential care, nursing care, dementia care, respite stays, and care at home. They provide personalised support and can match families with Care Quality Commission (CQC)-regulated providers.
Telephone: 0808 175 3609
Email: enquiries@chshealthcare.co.uk
Their team can answer questions, explain available care options, and help arrange suitable care at no cost to families.
Pre-Bookable Residential Respite Stays
For carers who need a longer planned break, residential respite care can provide short-term accommodation and support for the person they care for.
The Your Care Home online directory allows users to search for registered care homes and respite services across the UK. By entering a town or postcode, you can search for short-stay respite options and compare available services. For more information, click here.
If you would like advice about respite care, residential stays, or available support options, you can also contact Swindon Borough Council Adult Social Care at 01793 463333 (Option 4)
Tips before booking respite care
Contact providers well in advance, as respite places can be limited.
Ask what is included in the stay, such as meals, activities, and medical support.
Check whether an assessment is required before admission.
Review the latest CQC inspection ratings before making a decision.
Financial Support for Respite Breaks
Many carers are unaware that financial assistance may be available to help fund respite care.
The Respite Association is a UK charity that supports unpaid family carers by helping to fund qualified respite care, short breaks, weekend breaks, and short holidays.
The charity's aim is to reduce carer stress and support wellbeing by giving carers an opportunity to take a planned break from their caring responsibilities.
Support may include:
Funding towards respite care
Weekend or short breaks
Support for carers looking to attend activities or take time for themselves
Free week-long seaside holidays
Access to a purpose-built bungalow in Cornwall
Caravan holidays in North Wales and Yorkshire
Grants vary according to individual circumstances, with the average award being around £450.
For more information about eligibility and how to apply either call 01566 783383 or visit their website.
As a carer, it can often be difficult to prioritise your own needs. However, taking regular breaks is important and can help you continue caring in a safe and sustainable way.
If you would like information, advice or support in exploring respite options, please get in touch with us. We can help you identify services suited to your individual circumstances and support you in accessing the help you need.