This service is managed by Health and Community Care
Respite and short breaks
A respite break gives you or the person you care for a short stay away from home, with professional care and support. Breaks are available in Kirkwall, Stromness, Dounby, St Margaret's Hope and Westray.
Related resources
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Short Breaks Statement
This document contains Orkney Health and Care’s 2019 statement on short breaks for adult and young carers. It explains what short breaks are, who can access them, how needs are assessed, and the types of support and services available in Orkney and elsewhere. It also covers emergency and replacement care, charges, feedback and annual review arrangements, with contact details and a glossary of key terms.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
How to arrange a break
To arrange a respite break, contact the Adult Services team at the Council Offices on 01856 873535. If you do not already have a care manager, one will be allocated to you to carry out an assessment of your needs and book the break.
Breaks are available at Kirkjuvagr House, Hamnavoe House (Brinkie's Wing) and Smiddybrae House in Kirkwall, Stromness and Dounby, as well as at Kalisgarth in Westray, Braeburn Court in St Margaret's Hope, and Eunson Kloss in Kirkwall.
If you need a break on particular dates - for example to cover a carer's holiday - apply as early as possible to give the best chance of securing those dates. You can also set up a series of breaks throughout the year.
How long and how often
Up to six weeks of respite breaks can normally be booked in any one year, though more may be available if you are waiting for a permanent care home place. Breaks can be taken by the week or fortnight, or for just a couple of nights or a weekend.
Costs
Charges for respite breaks are assessed on your income and savings, but not on the value of your home. Contact us for more information about charges.
Getting ready for your break
Once your break is booked, your care manager will help with transport arrangements. You may wish to travel by Dial-A-Bus, or it may be possible for the respite unit to collect you and take you home.
Make sure you have enough medication to last the break and a few days after you return. Your care manager will ask your GP to share your medical details with the respite unit.
Think about arrangements for your home while you are away - making sure it is secure and having someone check on things. If you have pets, arrange their care in advance. Let your day centre, home care, frozen meals service or community nurses know you will be away and when your services should restart.
What to bring:
- Labelled clothes, shoes and slippers
- Your usual toiletries, glasses, razor etc
- Reading material, knitting, hobby materials or a portable radio or music player (electrical equipment must be safe to use)
- Any dressings or pads you need
- A mobile phone or list of personal contact numbers
- Any treats or special foods you enjoy
- Walking aids, OT equipment or your wheelchair if needed