What will it cost me if I have a short break away from home?

• What is a short break?
• What does it cost?
• How do I arrange a short break?

What is a short break?

A short break or respite care is a break from normal routine. It is designed to benefit both a person with a disability, long term illness or need and their carer.

Short breaks offer opportunities and experiences tailored to meet your needs in a variety of settings. Short breaks can be either time apart, or time together, with extra support. Short breaks can vary from several hours to several weeks.

Short breaks can be:

• planned short breaks away from the home involving social and leisure activities based on the your needs
• emergency short term respite to support families in a crisis
• in an environment where you can continue to develop your skills and abilities

What does it cost?

If you arrange a short break or respite placement with our care managers there is a flat rate respite charge for up to 56 nights in a financial year.

The current flat rate charge is £76.10 per week. This rate is reviewed annually in April.

If you exceed 56 nights of respite in a financial year then a financial application needs to be completed. Your contribution from the 57th night is calculated in line with the Community Care In Scotland National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992 and subsequent amendments.

There is no respite charge for children up to the age of 18.

How do I arrange a short break?

If you think you would like to consider using our short breaks / respite services, please contact your care manager / community support team. They can help you with the planning of it and make a referral.

Or contact your local social work office.