Kate Hogarth, Communications Developer Ellie Sandercock, Short Breaks Fund Manager

Questions… Who are Shared Care Scotland and what do you do? What are my rights on short breaks? Why do holidays matter? What does a short break mean to you? Where can you go for more information?

Our vision is a Scotland where everyone who receives or provides unpaid care can live happy and fulfilled lives with the support they need to take regular, quality breaks from the demands of their caring situations.

Knowing your Rights It’s time to go myth busting…

FALSE TRUE We’re going to ask you some quick questions on your rights around short breaks. It’s really simple - if you think its TRUE point to YOUR RIGHT. If its FALSE point to your LEFT.

“Respite must be taken in my own local authority area.”

FALSE! This is most certainly not the case.  Whilst in most cases your short break will still be purchased and arranged by your local authority you do not have to take your respite / short break provision within your local authority boundaries.

“Respite means you have to spend time apart.”

FALSE! Whilst many breaks do give you the chance to enjoy time apart, you can choose to take it accompanies by your carer, friends or other loved ones. The break can give you the chance to enjoy qulity time together away from your normal routine with additional support.

“Respite means you have to go away overnight somewhere.”

FALSE! Yes, respite can mean that you can stay away overnight but this doesn’t have to be the case. One break could mean you getting additional support in your home while your carer goes out – or it could mean a carer getting something that will help them get a break at home – we hear of lovely examples of this eg: Having a bath fitted so you can enjoy a good bubbly soak Hen house Garden shed – to get away from it all Gym membership or yoga classes Even a motorised golf trolley to help you get round the course!

“Holiday breaks are not respite.”

FALSE! Short breaks and respite can be provided in a variety of different ways. The important point is that the break meets the needs of the carer and or the person receiving care.

“If I receive Direct Payments to purchase respite then I can only purchase this from a service provider who is approved by the local authority.” Last question…..

FALSE! In many instances individuals who get Direct Payments, which includes funding respite / short breaks, do choose providers approved by their own local authority who are registered with the Care Inspectorate.  However local authorities cannot insist choice is restricted to such providers. The individual is free to purchase services that meet their needs in innovative ways. The local authority’s role is to satisfy itself that your assessed needs are being met by your chosen provider and that the funding made available via Direct Payments is being spent appropriately and cost effectively.

“It became very clear that no matter how vital the break was to those applying it had to meet their needs. It had to be: personalised; at the right time; realistic; flexible.” Angi Inch, Alzheimer’s Scotland

“Regardless of what short break is chosen, we work to make sure it is realistic, positive, and achievable. A short break that is right for that carer can develop their confidence, give them enjoyment, and help them to continue with their caring role.” Ian Boyle, Short Breaks Broker, Dundee Carers Centre

The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 is a key piece of new legislation that promises to ‘promote, defend and extend the rights’ of adult and young carers across Scotland.

The Scottish Government has introduced the Carers Act: - To secure the availability and consistency of support to unpaid carers across Scotland - To strengthen carers rights to be supported in their caring role

Who is a carer? A Carer is defined as: - An individual who provides or intends to provide care to another individual - Young carer: under 18 years .

Who is entitled to what? Anyone who appears to the local authority to be a carer is entitled to an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) or a Young Carer Statement (YCS) Anyone who identified themselves as being a carer can also request one.

How will local authorities decide who is entitled to receive support How will local authorities decide who is entitled to receive support ? - Local eligibility criteria - Have regard to National Matters

But…. Access to information and advice is NOT subject to eligibility Each Local authority must maintain information and advice services for carers in their area – eg income maximisation, training, counselling, advocacy, emergency planning etc.

What does the Act say about breaks from caring What does the Act say about breaks from caring? - A local authority must consider in particular whether the support should take the form of or include a break from caring. (1) A local authority, in determining which support to provide to a carer must consider in particular whether the support should take the form of or include a break from caring. (2) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision— (a) about the form of support that may be provided as a break from caring, (b) where the regulations provide for a break from caring to take the form of the provision of care for the cared-for person, about the role of the cared-for person in relation to how that care is provided. (3) Support provided by virtue of subsection (1) may be provided on a regular basis or on a temporary basis and may be provided for varying periods of time. (4) In providing support by virtue of subsection (1), a local authority must have regard to the desirability of breaks from caring being provided on a planned basis. (5) Section 19(2) of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 applies in relation to support provided as a break from caring as it applies in relation to any other support.

And… Each local authority must prepare and publish a short breaks services statement. (2) A short breaks services statement means a statement of information about the short breaks services available in Scotland for carers and cared-for persons. (3) The information must be accessible to, and proportionate to the needs of, the persons to whom it is provided. (4) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about the preparation, publication and review of short breaks services statements.

Any questions?

Right Break, Right Time, Right Place What makes a good short break for you…? What does you dream break look like? Where would you go? Who would you go with? What would you do? When would you go, and for how long? How would it make you feel? Please use the blank page to note down your ideas. In case you’re feeling creative, we’ve brought along some pens, pictures and postcards. Have a wee Blue Peter moment! Or just write down your thoughts. If you’d like to, chat about your ideas with your neighbour.

How can I fund my short break…?

3 Ts… Turn 2 us, alternative sources of Funding and benefits calculator: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/ Time to Live Take a Break (or Family Fund) And an S Self-Directed Support

Prompt questions for the planner

Shared Care Scotland www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk 01383 622 462 Your local carers centre is likely to be a good source of support and information. Help in accessing local resources, meeting up with people in similar situations. Can help you access resources Shared Care Scotland directory of Short Break Services – over 400 short break services online. Search via area, type, support needs etc Also the enquiry line

Any questions?