Skip to content Skip to nav
Accessibility statement
Adult carers

Breaks for carers

On this page:

    Improving the way we work

    Find out what is being done to improve the way we work in response to feedback from the June 2025 assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

    Read the latest CQC improvement updates

    Introduction

    As a carer, it is important that you look after your health and wellbeing, so we recommend that you take a break from time to time to look after yourself.

    Why taking a break is important

    Taking a break is not only good for you, but it also offers the person you are caring for:

    • a change of scenery
    • the chance to enjoy new experiences
    • the option to mix with other people.

    In this Carers UK video, carers discuss why taking a break is so important.

    Types of breaks

    There are lots of different options to explore when you need a break. You may choose:

    • an hour each week, a day here or there, a week or two (or a combination of them all)
    • to go on holiday with the person you are looking after, go away alone, or with friends
    • to stay at home - enjoy some space in your own home while the person you care for goes on holiday.

    Arranging care

    If you need to arrange care for the person you look after so that you can take a break from your caring role, we’ve explained some of the options below and how you can access them.

    Short breaks for carers

    Your adult carer’s assessment may identify that you are eligible to book a short break. In most circumstances you'll need to live with the person you care for to qualify for this service.

    To discuss your options, please contact the Carer’s Support Service.

    Subscribe to East Riding of Yorkshire Council

    Stay updated on the latest East Riding news

    We use GovDelivery to send you emails, which is secure and you can choose to stop receiving emails at any time.

    Find out more in our Privacy notice.

    Subscribe to East Riding News

    Paid for care (self funding)

    Private in-home respite care

    This type of care means that the cared for person can stay at home so as not to disturb their routine or take them from familiar surroundings. A carer either visits the house of the cared for person for just a few hours each day or each week, or stays in the house offering support day and night.

    How to access this service

    You can search for private in home respite care providers on the NHS website.

    To discuss the availability and cost of their services, please contact them directly.

    Private residential care home short stays

    Many private residential homes are often able to accommodate guests for a short stay so that carers can take a short break or holiday.

    How to access this service

    You can find a list of private residential homes in our care directory. Please contact them directly to check availability and discuss costs.

    Support from family and friends

    It might be worth talking to friends or family about your needs. They might be happy to look after the person you care for so that you can take a short break or holiday.

    If the person you care for lives with you, ask your family or friends if they would be willing to stay at your home to provide cover or alternatively have the person to stay with them.

    Organisations that can help

    There are many organisations that can help you take a break, and some can help with any expenses too.

    View a list of organisations in a factsheet on the Carers UK website (refer to page 14 of the PDF).

    Help from adult social care

    There are a range of council-run services, that depending on your situation, may be able to provide respite care while you take a break.

    Care relief sitting service

    When you have your carer's assessment, you’ll be advised if you qualify to use our care relief sitting service.

    This is available to carers who look after someone with dementia or another memory related illness.

    A staff member from our care relief service can come to the home of the person being cared for to provide in home respite care. This is so you can take a short break to go shopping, meet up with friends, attend a medical appointment or have time to yourself.

    How to access this service

    If you qualify to use this service, a member of the community support team will contact you to discuss when and how often you can use this service. Time slots are available:

    • Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 10pm
    • Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 4pm

    Call to check availability and make a booking on 01482 394050

    Day care

    The person you are caring for goes into a day centre or takes part in activities away from their home allowing you a break from caring.

    How to access this service

    If the person you care for would benefit from using day care services, this will be identified during their assessment. Day care will be pre-arranged on a yearly basis by your community wellbeing team at a centre suitable to the needs of the person you care for. For example, they might visit a day care centre every Friday.

    Search our day care centres

    Short stay in residential or nursing care home

    Where the person you are looking after has a short stay in a council-run residential or nursing home.

    How to access this service

    When an assessment is carried out for the person you care for, it will identify if they qualify to use this service. Short stays will be pre-arranged on a yearly basis by your community wellbeing team at a care home suitable to the needs of the person you care for.

    Search our residential homes

    Alerts