A short break is when you and the person you care for are supported to have a valuable break from the normal routines and demands of the caring role.
It is provided if the person you care for is eligible for support from the council and you require a break from your caring role.

 

After a Carers Assessment, if it has been agreed that short break care is required, a discussion will take place with you and the person you care for to look at options of how the short break will be taken. This will be detailed in the Care and Support Plan of the person you care for.

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Rolling Short Breaks

This can be used if you already know which provider you want to use to have your short break - you book the dates you want direct with the provider

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Planned Short Breaks

If you and the person you care for do not know your short break care provider and do not wish to be supported to find one at the time of your assessment, you may prefer to choose this option. You will need to contact Lancashire County Council when you know the dates your short break is required. You can then be supported by the Care Navigation Service to source an available care provider.

 

Direct Payments for Short Breaks

If this option is chosen, then the person you care for or their representative will receive a sum of money from the council to spend in line with the person's Care and Support Plan, enabling you to have a break from your caring role and ensuring that the needs of the person you are caring for are met safely and legally. The direct payment provides flexibility and control of when and how the short break is taken. For example, it may be used for a short break in residential care, or to have a care agency come in and help, or to employ a personal assistant to provide support.

 

For more information contact the Customer Access Centre on 0300 123 6720.

 

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Care Navigators

​Sourcing replacement care can sometimes seem like a challenge, however Lancashire County Council has a service to help you. The ‘Care Navigation Team’ can be used to:

• Help you to find suitable approved care agencies, care homes or other social care providers

• Help you to book or arrange care

• Help you to book one-off or longer term short breaks

 

For more information, or to use the Care Navigation Team Service, please call 0300 123 6720.

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To read more about Short Breaks from Lancashire County Council, read their factsheet here.

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