Renfrewshire carers urged to ‘take a break’ with new respite scheme

During Carers Week 2013, which runs until Sunday, Renfrewshire Council is reminding residents about a £200,000 respite scheme.

The Free Breaks for Carers is a free service that enables those who care for family and friends to take a well-earned rest while qualified carers step in and look after their loved ones.

The scheme, which is run in partnership with Reshaping Care for Older People, is available to anyone who cares for someone over the age of 65.

Councillor Ian McMillan, convener of the council’s Social Work, Health and Wellbeing Policy Board, said: “Carers do an amazing job and our aim is to provide them with as much help and support as possible. Being a carer is a massive commitment and for many it’s more than a full time job.

“The council recognises someone has to care for carers. The help and support we provide to older people in our communities has to extend to the people who look after them. This includes addressing the impact that being a carer has on their jobs, education, health and leisure time.

“We asked carers what we could do to help and the new respite at home service is what they came up with. It allows people to recharge their batteries and continue in their caring roles. Supporting carers is critical so we’ve allocated £200,000. Now it’s there, we’re telling carers to take a break.”

To find out more, call 0141 207 7777.