Warwickshire offers a mix of short breaks, respite care, and emergency or contingency support for carers. The main route is a carer assessment through Caring Together Warwickshire, which can help work out the right option for you and the person you care for.
| Support option | What it can include | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Informal break | A quiet hour, a regular weekly slot, or a longer holiday | Family and friends may be able to help |
| Respite care | Temporary replacement care so you can have a break | Can be care in the person’s home, a day centre, activities, or a short stay in a care home |
| Planned or urgent short breaks via CRESS | Support for planned breaks, significant life events, appointments, or short periods of carer wellbeing | Minimum 24 hours’ notice; maximum of 36 hours in any 12-month period |
| Immediate short-term support via CRESS | One-off support where notice is under 24 hours | Caring Together Warwickshire can liaise with the council to help with the immediate need |
| Carer assessment support plan | A plan that can include services to help you have a break | Can include personal care, day opportunities, replacement care at home, longer respite in a residential home, equipment/assistive technology, home adaptations, occupational therapy advice, and supported housing |
| One-off direct payment | Payment to assist with carer breaks or activities that improve your health and wellbeing | Depends on assessment |
| Emergency support | Support outside normal hours | Caring Together Warwickshire handles calls Monday to Friday 9am to 6.30 pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm; outside these times, or on bank holidays, carers are given the Emergency Duty Team contact |
There may be a charge for care and support provided for the person you care for, and services such as respite or breaks for carers are subject to social care charges. If you want to take this forward, Warwickshire says to register with Caring Together Warwickshire and use the carer assessment route to look at what’s suitable for your situation.