For example, you may want to go into a nursing home for a short period because you are unwell, or recovering from an operation or an illness, or you may want to be looked after for a week or two in a residential home.

For details about residential and nursing homes that can offer short stays see:

• the Cambridgeshire Care Services Directory, which is produced annually by Cambridgeshire Social Care services. For a free copy contact any Social Care services office or phone 01223 717309.
• or search on-line for a care service at the Commission for Social Care Inspection Website (www.csci.org.uk) .

Please telephone 0845 045 5202 and ask for an assessment as access to care services via the council is subject to the person concerned meeting our eligibility criteria. There may be a charge for this service; the amount depends on your financial resources and on what, if any, benefits you receive.  A financial assessment will be done before any charge is made.

There are however, a number of non-institutional options to meet respite needs, eg

• changing existing Home Care arrangements;
• using a Sitting Service;
• Day Care (Physical Disability, Elderly, Learning Disability, Mental Health, or
• Day Care for Adults whose Carers need a break (Carer's Breaks) or
• a short term Live-In Carer.

 
See also Hospices - hospices will often offer respite care for people who are very poorly.