Care and support

Respite care

Hertfordshire County Council can support you if you are a carer by offering the person you care for time away from home.

Respite care aims to:

• support families by providing a safe, welcoming and homely environment
• build on an individual’s abilities and take account of the individual’s choice
• give an opportunity to learn new skills within our services where appropriate
• provide an enjoyable stay for people
• give an opportunity to learn practical social skills in a supported environment
• support families at times of emergency or ill health and to maintain their normal living arrangements for as long as possible
• ensure a two-way communication with all service users and their carers

How do I apply for respite care?

All requests for respite care are made through your local Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT).

The CLDT will talk to you to find out if you are eligible.

They will arrange a visit to the most suitable respite service.

Then they will arrange how long the person can stay, depending on what is available and what the needs are.

If you take up the service offered a charge may be made, based on the service user's income.