Rest & Respite Care for Carers
As a Carer, it is vitally important that you take time for yourself, to look after your own health and wellbeing. One way of doing this is to make sure you get opportunities to relax and de-stress. Being able to recharge your batteries is an important part of most people’s lives, and is especially important for carers, who can feel isolated as well as experience back pain, stress and other conditions as a result of their caring role.
Taking Time for Yourself
Prioritising self-care is essential for recharging your emotional and physical well-being, ultimately enabling you to provide the best possible care.
Respite can mean different things to different people. It might be residential respite for the person you care for so you can stay at home and have some time to yourself. It might be meaningful day time activities for the person you care for or you might have a different idea altogether about what a break means to you. We can tell you about carers respite and other opportunities that are available to suit your situation. Or we can give you some ideas for you to make your own enquiries, depending on what you like to do.
We may be able to help with paying towards the cost of this, through our Carer Well-being Fund.
Many Carers worry about what would happen to the person they care for in an emergency. TuVida formally known as Crossroads Care can provide Free emergency respite care in West Sussex for a temporary period of time.
Short Break Provision
Below you will find a list of providers near you who are offering a variety of respite services for carers for you and the people you look after. Please note all sessions need to be booked prior to attendance – please call the service provider directly. Details of how to do so are below. Our Take Time For You leaflet has lots of useful information.
Dementia Connect is Alzheimer's Society's personalised support and advice service for anyone affected by dementia. It's free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with Alzheimer's Society's dementia advisers. Through Dementia Connect our expert dementia advisers will listen, help with all your dementia-related questions, and connect you to the support you need, from local help to phone and online advice. Our team works with a wide variety of people, including people worried about their memory, people with dementia, carers and family members. Calls are charged at standard local rate.
If you need further support, you can request a call from our dementia advisers, who should be in touch with you within a week. Our online support includes Talking Point, our online community where you can connect with others in a similar situation, and our dementia directory where you can search for local services.
Helpline: 0333 150 3456
Email: dementiaconnect@alzheimers.org.uk
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Click here to read about Alzheimer's Society group services throughout West Sussex.
Day Breaks at Sage House provides people living with Dementia with a whole day of wellbeing and therapeutic activities in our specially designed facility. These activities can include reminiscence sessions, seated chair exercise, therapy animals, singing and so much more! We offer personal care support, medication administration and optional extras, including therapy rooms and hair dressing.
Carers and families have peace of mind that their loved ones are being cared for by our experienced support workers, giving families some much needed respite. Carers can also use our Wayfinding service for advice and support.
This service is available to anyone living with, or supporting someone with Dementia in West Sussex. For more information, please call 01243 888691 or email info@dementiasupport.org.uk
Home Respite: Yes
Cost: Rates range from subsidised £8 to £22 at weekends (prices per hour)
Transport: N/A
Frequency and length of care: Self-funding as much as required. Subsidised 6 hours a week and one 10 hour night sit
Specialist care for specific conditions: Person specific training is provided i.e. peg feeding, epilepsy, Dementia, Parkinson’s
Criteria to Qualify for respite care: Be a carer and registered with Crossroads to qualify
How to book: Call 01903 790270 for updates on current services available or email westsussex@tuvida.org
Location: Age UK Laburnum Centre, Bognor Regis
When: Every Friday - 10am-3pm
Weekly day support from 10am - 3pm for adults living with Dementia.
We support members to engage in stimulating and meaningful activities to promote confidence and social interaction.
Family/friend carers also benefit from the weekly respite this provides.
All refreshments and a two-course lunch provided.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
Location: Woodlands Centre, Rustington
When: Every Monday - 10am-3pm
Weekly day support from 10am - 3pm for adults living with Dementia.
We support members to engage in stimulating and meaningful activities to promote confidence and social interaction.
Family/friend carers also benefit from the weekly respite this provides.
All refreshments and a two-course lunch provided.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
Location: Holy Cross Church Hall, Bognor Regis
When: Every Thursday - 12.30-3.30pm
Weekly Support for adults living with Dementia and their family/friend carer.
We provide a safe space where people can share experiences and receive support from peers and staff.
Activities also take place along with trips during the year.
Refreshments provided
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
Monthly Saturday Activities for Carers and those you care for…
20th May 2023 from 11:00 to 13:00 at The Laburnum Centre, Lyon Street,
Bognor Regis, PO21 1UX
Please join us for a morning of varied social activities that will be
interesting, informative, stimulating and above all fun! Sessions may
include: a Mini Film Club with fascinating clips from local archives;
themed quizzes; games and outdoor get togethers (weather permitting!).
These sessions are designed for carers and cared-for to attend together,
as a joint social event, with activities that will appeal to those who may
have memory problems, such as MCI or mild to moderate dementia, or
who have other care needs. (Carers can attend on their own if they wish
to have a break and enjoy some social time).
This is a chance to get out and meet people in a similar situation in a
caring, supportive atmosphere, enjoy a cuppa together and a social chat.
It can be easy to feel isolated or just in need of a change of scene, and as
such, we would love to see you there.
Free parking available
The cost will be £3.00 per person. Refreshments to be provided
(tea/coffee, biscuits, cake).
Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements.
Booking your places in advance is essential. Please contact either Julia (07932 784979) or Joanna (07495 077341)
Location: Southwick Community Centre
When: Every Wednesday - 10am-1pm
Weekly support from 10am - 1pm for adults living with early onset dementia or those with a new diagnosis.
Our service is based on the principles of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). The National institute for health and care Excellence (NICE) and social care institute for Excellence (SCIE) guidance (2006) recommend that people with mild to moderate Dementia should be given the opportunity to take part in a CST Programme.
The Program can also help in improving confidence/self-esteem and overall well-being.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
Time out for Carers is a friendly and welcoming club, providing much needed day respite to carers of people living with dementia. This club supports people living with dementia, whilst their carers have a much-needed break from their caring duties. Club members are invited to engage in fun, physical or mentally stimulating and person-centred activities, tailored to meet the needs and interests of each individual.
Contact: Call the Customer Service Team on 01903 327327 or email enquiry@guildcare.org
Time out Together offers an expanded range of enjoyable social opportunities. This service is designed for carers and loved ones to continue to socialise together in a fun, relaxed environment with support from staff.
Contact: Call the Customer Service Team on 01903 327327 or email enquiry@guildcare.org
Home Respite: Yes
Cost: Prices on request
Transport: Yes
Frequency and length of care: We offer a flexible service with friendly and supportive staff tailored around the needs of the person being cared for. This can range from group outings to individualised support at home or in the community to suit needs and preferences. Please check out our website for more information or contact Catherine Goldsmith for an informal chat on 07825 084756
Specialist care for specific conditions: Staff are trained in dementia specific care practice. We currently follow a Covid-19 Risk Assessment a user friendly guide is available.
Criteria to Qualify for respite care: Be a carer – the person being cared for must be able to manage their own personal care needs.
How to book: Contact Catherine Goldsmith, Day Activities, Coordinator at Independent Lives, Email: carersrespite@independentlives.org, Telephone: 07825 084756 / 01903 219482, Website: www.independentlives.org/carers-respite-service
Time out for Carers Plus offers a break for carers of those living with dementia who have greater support needs, but still enjoy meeting and engaging with other people in a friendly and welcoming club. The club supports people living with dementia, whilst their carers have a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities. Club members are invited to engage in fun, physical or mentally stimulating and person-centred activities, tailored to meet the needs and interests of each individual. This move-on service for people whose needs have exceeded the remit of Time Out for Carers, offers a higher ratio of skilled and experienced staff who can provide some support around personal care, to enable people to access the service
Contact: Call the Customer Service Team on 01903 327327 or email enquiry@guildcare.org
Communities in Mind, covering the Bognor & Chichester areas, is a service for people, including carers, aged 65+ who need a little support with their mental health and well-being.
You may have stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health needs or you may just feel low through social isolation. Due to coronavirus, during November and early December, our face-to-face activity groups have been suspended, but we are continuing to offer phone support, Zoom group activity sessions and our newsletter/activity pack.
When we can, we will resume our activity groups in Bognor and Chichester. For more information and an informal chat, please call the service manager, Jo, on 07495 077 341
Terry’s Place provides a sanctuary for family and friend carers needing a break, or loved ones who are lonely or isolated, requiring a bit of social and emotional stimulation and support.
Support for people with memory difficulties and early stages of dementia.
We are currently offering support to both carers and cared for by phone, email and post, and we hope to be re-introducing some face to face support soon.
For more information or to discuss support please contact Kim Bartlett on 07939 582788.
Location: Meeting point to be K2 Leisure Centre
When: Every Tuesday - 10am-2pm
Weekly support from 10am - 2pm for adults living with early onset dementia or those with a new diagnosis.
Spend part of the day with us travelling to see the sites of West Sussex!
Heading off from Crawley, each week we will travel to various sites in West Sussex, supported by our trained staff team.
We also incorporate engaging activities within the day to help promote wellbeing & social interaction.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
Location: Tilgate Community Centre
When: Every Thursday - 10am-3pm
Weekly day support from 10am - 3pm for adults living with Dementia.
We support members to engage in stimulating and meaningful activities to promote confidence and social interaction.
Family/friend carers also benefit from the weekly respite this provides.
All refreshments and a two-course lunch provided.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
This Day Club is a unique opportunity to enjoy good food and companionship, within a fully trained host’s house. Two to five guests will be invited to the host’s house to enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch, whilst enjoying the companionship of others in a similar situation. The Club’s mission is twofold: to support those living in isolation, perhaps feeling socially excluded or experiencing a deterioration in memory and to also provide a day of valuable respite to those carers who look after their loved one (our guest) on a day to day basis.
The Tapestry Day Club aims to create an environment where guests feel supported and cared for, help reduce anxiety, have regular face-to-face contact with others which enables strong relationships to be built, re-gain confidence, enjoy being part of a small group and ultimately remain a valued member of their community.
For more information, please contact us by phone 01403 791020 or email support@tapestrydayclub.co.uk
Location: Age UK Lavinia House, Horsham
When: Every Monday - 10am-3pm
Weekly day support from 10am - 3pm for adults living with Dementia.
We support members to engage in stimulating and meaningful activities to promote confidence and social interaction.
Family/friend carers also benefit from the weekly respite this provides.
All refreshments and a two-course lunch provided.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
Location: Trinity Centre, Storrington
When: Every Tuesday and Friday - 10am-3pm
Weekly day support from 10am - 3pm for adults living with Dementia.
We support members to engage in stimulating and meaningful activities to promote confidence and social interaction.
Family/friend carers also benefit from the weekly respite this provides.
All refreshments and a two-course lunch provided.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
This Day Club is a unique opportunity to enjoy good food and companionship, within a fully trained host’s house. Two to five guests will be invited to the host’s house to enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch, whilst enjoying the companionship of others in a similar situation. The Club’s mission is twofold: to support those living in isolation, perhaps feeling socially excluded or experiencing a deterioration in memory and to also provide a day of valuable respite to those carers who look after their loved one (our guest) on a day to day basis.
The Tapestry Day Club aims to create an environment where guests feel supported and cared for, help reduce anxiety, have regular face-to-face contact with others which enables strong relationships to be built, re-gain confidence, enjoy being part of a small group and ultimately remain a valued member of their community.
For more information, please contact us by phone 01403 791020 or email support@tapestrydayclub.co.uk
Location: Kings Weald, Burgess Hill
When: Every Tuesday - 10am-3pm
Weekly day support from 10am - 3pm for adults living with Dementia.
We support members to engage in stimulating and meaningful activities to promote confidence and social interaction.
Family/friend carers also benefit from the weekly respite this provides.
All refreshments and a two-course lunch provided.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
Location: Haywards Heath
When: Every Wednesday - 10am-3pm
Weekly day support from 10am - 3pm for adults living with Dementia.
We support members to engage in stimulating and meaningful activities to promote confidence and social interaction.
Family/friend carers also benefit from the weekly respite this provides.
All refreshments and a two-course lunch provided.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
Location: Haywards Heath
When: Every Monday - 10am-1pm
Weekly support from 10am - 1pm for adults living with early onset dementia or those with a new diagnosis.
Our service is based on the principles of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). The National institute for health and care Excellence (NICE) and social care institute for Excellence (SCIE) guidance (2006) recommend that people with mild to moderate Dementia should be given the opportunity to take part in a CST Programme.
The Program can also help in improving confidence/self-esteem and overall well-being.
To find out more please contact on 07753 879779 / dementia@ageukwsbh.org.uk
This Day Club is a unique opportunity to enjoy good food and companionship, within a fully trained host’s house. Two to five guests will be invited to the host’s house to enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch, whilst enjoying the companionship of others in a similar situation. The Club’s mission is twofold: to support those living in isolation, perhaps feeling socially excluded or experiencing a deterioration in memory and to also provide a day of valuable respite to those carers who look after their loved one (our guest) on a day to day basis.
The Tapestry Day Club aims to create an environment where guests feel supported and cared for, help reduce anxiety, have regular face-to-face contact with others which enables strong relationships to be built, re-gain confidence, enjoy being part of a small group and ultimately remain a valued member of their community.
For more information, please contact us by phone 01403 791020 or email support@tapestrydayclub.co.uk
Carers Health Team
The Carers Health Team is a team of health professionals working with Sussex Community NHS Trust, who will work with any carer over the age of 18 who would like to improve their physical or emotional health. The Carers Health Team works closely with NHS specialist services, social & caring services and voluntary & community services and will link carers with these services when appropriate. They can provide information and advice on specific health conditions, managing medicines as well as practical advice on the caring environment (safe lifting and handling, healthy eating, risk minimisation), and are happy to arrange appointments to visit carers in their own home at a time to suit their needs, including outside of Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm hours. However, the Carers Health Team is not an emergency service.
You don’t need your GP or another organisation to refer you, you can contact them yourself if you’d like to find out more about how they can work with you to improve your health:
- South team (covering areas in and around Littlehampton, Storrington, Worthing, Shoreham, Chichester, Midhurst, Petworth, Arundel, Pulborough, Billingshurst and Bognor Regis)
- North team (covering areas in and around Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex
Other health services can be accessed via your GP practice – for instance did you know that carers are entitled to free flu jabs in their own right; and most GP practices keep a Carers Register, so that they know who are carers and can offer flexibility with appointments to make the caring role easier.
