Respite Care

Respite care may involve providing alternative family or institutional care for a person with a disability in order to enable the carer to take a short break, holiday or a rest.

Respite care or temporary care may be based in the community or in an institution. In practice, respite care is provided to a varying degree at a number of locations around the country – in some cases by your Health Service Executive (HSE) or by other local or national voluntary organisations.

Care is provided at a number of locations around the country for people with different disabilities. The person being cared for may be admitted to a HSE nursing home for a period of two weeks. Respite care is organised through your public health nurse (PHN) or family doctor (GP). You can obtain a Respite Care Grant application form from your local Social Welfare Office or Citizens Information Centre. Application forms are also available from the Department of Social Protection leaflet request telephone line. LoCall 1890 20 23 25