features of the pack

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In this section we explain why the Pack has been developed.

This pack has been developed to help service users and carers to be more in control of all aspects of their short break/respite care by increasing their knowledge about what’s available or possible.

By using the different resources in the Pack:

carers and service users will be better able to plan short breaks which are right for them and which best meet their needs and wishes
care managers will be better able to get very clear and detailed information about the features of short breaks that will best meet the needs and wishes of carers and care recipients
carers, service users and care managers will have better information to review outcomes from the short breaks and the extent to which short breaks meet the needs and wishes which were identified

In addition, the Pack will enable information to be recorded which will:

help local councils to improve commissioning and delivery of short break services
help national government to have a fuller overall picture of service improvement and development

Different ways people plan their short breaks:

Sometimes service users and carers plan their short breaks together
Sometimes service users plan their own short breaks and then discuss it with their carers and/or their ‘care manager’
Sometimes carers do most of the planning for the person they care for
Sometimes service users plan and pay for their own short beaks
Sometimes carers want to plan their own short break
Sometimes people fund the break themselves
Sometimes people seek support from their local authority

You can use the Planning Pack in any of these situations

One of the aims for the Pack is that it is self supporting. This is to enable carers and service users to have as much control as possible over their short breaks. Carers and service users are encouraged to use the materials to prepare before they meet with their Care Manager to agree their short break.

Some people will need help to use these materials particularly if they have communication difficulties. This will apply especially to the 'My Ideal Break' exercise and the 'Short Break Planners' where help may be required to enable people to express their feelings and needs. Please feel free to use these materials alongside any tools or techniques that are designed for this purpose.

Shared Care Scotland will be able to provide telephone support and Carers Centres and other organisations may also be able to provide support. Informal sources of support would include friends, family members, advocates and support workers. However, the design and content of the Pack should mean that it is straightforward to use.

People who arrange and self fund their own short breaks will be able to access and use the sections which they need.

Service users and carers explained

In this Planning Pack we talk about ‘service users’ and ‘carers’. These may not be terms that you are familiar with or think apply to you.

When we use ‘carers’ we are referring to anyone who as a family member or as a friend is providing essential care and support on an unpaid basis.

When we use ‘service user’ we are referring to anyone who has care or support needs as a result of their condition. They are likely to be receiving services from paid carers. Paid carers will usually come from the NHS, local authority or a private or voluntary organisation. Some service users employ their own personal assistants.

Sometimes people, for example, if they are living together act as carers for each other.

This Planning Pack is for everyone in any of these situations

Go to 'The Short Break Planners'