A short break means that people with learning disabilities who live at home with their families can go and stay somewhere else for a short period of time.
This allows carers and other family members to take a short break from their caring role.
The person with a learning disability will stay in specialist accommodation and will have their care and support needs met by fully trained staff.
During a stay, staff will also help the person to use and develop the skills they need for everyday life, and to become as independent as possible.
Generally, short breaks are planned, however, there will be some emergency short breaks.
The purpose and aims of short breaks are to:
- be beneficial to both the customer and their relative or carer
- be supportive of family life and enable people to remain living at home
- avoid crisis and so ensure the best use of long-term residential care resources
- enable families to spend time with other family members and to have time and space to pursue their own interests
- introduce opportunities and variety for social interaction for customers.
Short breaks in Hammersmith and Fulham are usually arranged at Rivercourt Road.
How to access the service at Rivercourt Road
Contact the learning disabilities team and tell them you think you need a break.
You will then be assessed to see if you are eligible for an allocation of respite care.
Short breaks for Disabled children
These breaks are for children with disabilities.
To be eligible for short breaks children need to:
- be under 18 years old
- be resident in H&F
- have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to do everyday activities.
Find out more about short breaks for children with disabilities