Respite care is care that is provided to families who have sick or disabled children and who care for them around the clock. Respite care gives the parents or carers the opportunity to rest and enjoy a change of scenery for a short time while trained support staff assist with the day to day looking after of their children be it in their own home or in specially equipped respite homes. Respite care can range from one evening a week, to one weekend in a calendar month.

There are many respite schemes running up and down the United Kingdom but as with all charitable organisations and schemes more funding and volunteering is needed to ensure that more families get the benefit.

Short Break Schemes

Short Break Schemes allow registered and trained carers to be paired up with disabled children in order to allow the family free time or flexible hours in order to do things for themselves. In some instances children can go and stay in a specially equipped unit where they can enjoy many activities they might not be able to participate in at home. This also gives them the opportunity to interact with other disabled children and to enjoy a certain amount of independence.

The majority of children who benefit from respite schemes have severe learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities, very particular medical requirements or may even be terminally ill: whatever the nature of their condition there will be caring staff on hand to offer support and friendly interaction throughout their stay.

Can I Become a Respite carer?

Anyone can become a respite carer; respite carers come from all walks of life, all age groups and all religions. No one is excluded from the opportunity to become a respite carer.

Respite carers - upon acceptance - are trained to the necessary level and - as with all positions involving children, are required by law to undertake the provision of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This check is designed to screen those candidates who wish to apply and make the process as quick and secure as possible.

A respite carer may be required to spend one day a week with a child, one night a week or one weekend per month depending on the nature of the respite care required. In addition they will be required by law to undergo ongoing training and are at all times provided with support from a 'mentor'.

Many carers initially come to respite projects with no formal training - and do so out of a desire to provide help and support to others living and coping with difficult circumstances. However as they progress they are given recognised training and guidance and often become almost part of the family.