Short breaks for people with a learning disability
What are Short Breaks?
Short Breaks are provided to give looked after people and their Carers a break from the usual routine. You can apply for a short break if you would not be able to live in the community without the care and support of a family member or a friend. Short breaks are there to help your carer look after you by giving them a break from their caring role.
How do I know if I can get one?
If you think you or the person you care for would benefit from a short break contact Careline. You will be contacted by supported living who will make an assessment of your needs and decide with you what would suit you best.
How much will it cost?
Supported living do charge for some services. How much you pay will depend on your individual circumstances. This will be discussed with you if you are eligible for a service. If a service is provided it will be regularly reviewed. You and your carer will be involved in the review and asked for your opinions.
Voucher Scheme
We have developed the sort breaks voucher scheme to give you more flexibility to make your own arrangements for home care. The person who assesses you will explain what the voucher scheme is and how it works.
Types of Short break
The Valuing People white paper and the modernisation agenda for social care means that, services are far more varied and flexible than they used to be. There is a greater emphasis in moving away from traditional provision such as Day Centres and residential respite care (although these are still available), into providing a service that goes beyond the Monday to Friday 9 to 5 provision that people may have received in the past.
We can offer people different types of short breaks depending on what suits you and your carer.
We can provide:
- Breaks for people in their own homes - A qualified care worker will stay with you in your home. This is usually to allow family carers to go out to do the things they need to and know that you are safe.
- Family based breaks - you will stay with another person or family away from your home. The carers are carefully chosen and matched to individuals to try and ensure that your stay is as enjoyable as possible. Stays can be as short as one day or as long as several weeks.
- Breaks based on social and leisure activities - you may be taken out for the day usually in a small group with other people with similar needs. This type of break aims to develop social activities and social links in the community.
- Residential breaks- you will stay overnight in a residential care home which best suits your needs. The details of your stay will be agreed with you by your social worker.
Contact us
If you would like more information about short breaks or feel that you may benefit from a short break contact Careline:
By telephone on 0151 233 3800 or by email at wecanhelp@liverpool.gov.uk