Taking a break

Healthwatch Northumberland undertook a project on adult social care as it was one of the priorities for respondents to their annual survey.  They surveyed 167 carers about their experiences of taking breaks from their caring role and what had worked well and not so well. Healthwatch also wanted to find out what would help them take more breaks and what the impact would be if they were able to take more breaks. 

Healthwatch heard that many carers had not taken breaks, particularly longer ones, in the past 12 months. Those who had taken breaks largely relied on family or friends to provide alternative care for their loved ones. 

Most who did not take breaks had either not tried to access a break or said their loved one did not like others caring for them. However, many carers also said they were unaware of the options available to them in getting help to take breaks from their caring role. 

Some carers had no options to take breaks if they had no family support or alternative options for their loved ones being cared for by someone else and many felt guilt, stress or worry in taking breaks and leaving their loved ones. 

However, carers said that taking more breaks would positively impact their mental health and wellbeing and Healthwatch heard a strong message around the impact of caring on mental health. Fewer numbers of carers had used formal respite services but those that had told of difficulties in accessing suitable care due to costs, inability to pre-book or services being unable to meet their loved ones needs.