Short Breaks

Short Breaks can be provided in a number of different ways depending upon the situation of the Carer, and the person cared for. Remember, without the right breaks to help you, more help will be needed later.
 
This may mean more services provided within the home such as a sitting service, or it may mean a short stay in a residential home or adult placement. Equally it may mean additional day-care or daytime activities being provided for the person cared for. For some this may be an occasional service, and for others it will mean a structured 'programme' of services to provide enough support to allow the Carer to keep their batteries charged. Sometimes a breaks service might enable couples or families to have a break together.
 
An increasingly popular option is to receive a 'Direct Payment'. This is a payment made to you by Portsmouth City Council, following an assessment of needs, to enable you to employ an 'assistant' that can provide breaks (support for the whole process is available). The benefit of employing your own worker is that you are in control of when and how you receive the breaks.
 
To make sure you get the breaks you need, talk to the Care Management team or, for further advice, contact the Carers Centre.