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Short breaks & COVID-19: Safely returning to business

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many respite care and short break services have been suspended and consequently many families are facing significant, additional pressures. Bringing these vital services back ‘on line’ as quickly and safely as possible is a key priority. Scotland’s route map through and out of crisis (Scottish Government, May 2020), specifically mentions respite care and breaks from caring as part of the Phase 1 stage of easing lockdown.

To support service managers and commissioning bodies with remobilisation plans for respite care, we have collated relevant national guidance and other information which we hope will be of some practical assistance.  We are also compiling a set of case studies that illustrate different approaches being taken by providers to safely return to business.  Further guidance and information will be added as it becomes available.

Services must, of course, continue to operate within the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, and have regard to the latest national advice on COVID-19 . It is also important to work with the local authority and Health and Social Care Partnership to ensure plans tie in with local service remobilisation arrangements, and infection control measures.

If you have any questions about this page, please contact Don Williamson: don.williamson@sharedcarescotland.com

Latest government communications

Case studies

The purpose of these case studies is to illustrate the approaches taken by different organisations to ensure their short break services are able to operate safely as we enter and move through Phase 1 of easing lockdown.  There can be no ‘one size fits all’ approach and each service will need to move at their own pace, and tailor procedures to their particular setting and circumstances.

“The case studies have been particularly helpful and I’ve circulated them to our board and senior staff.  I feel we now have a framework/roadmap for our own planning and I’m more confident than I was that we will be able to reopen our service (an after-school club for young people with complex disabilities).” Service Manager feedback

Restarting services: decision-making guide

A PowerPoint presentation to help short break providers determine how and when services can be safely restarted:

Survey

At the start of June and July we surveyed providers and carers to find out what needs to be in place in order for them to resume their short breaks provision.  We also asked about ‘top tips’ from those service managers who are already providing breaks.

National Guidance

The following list contains links to national legislation, COVID-19 specific advice and guidance, as well as other useful resources.  We have tried to signpost to information that is relevant to different respite care settings.

It is important that the most up-to-date guidance is used, therefore it is not recommended that PDFs are downloaded and printed off.  Always access guidance online wherever possible and check regularly for any updated advice.

All links will open in a new tab.

*Please refer to the letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport and the Minister for Children and Young People (23rd September 2020)

Transport

Transport is an integral part of many day services and may include provider-owned vehicles, community transport, public transport, family or carers driving, or taxis.  Ensuring transport can be used safely by service users, staff and volunteers is therefore a key concern and will need to be planned carefully in advance.

International resources

  • ARCH National Respite Network (USA) has published restarting services guidelines to assist providers, as well as family carers.  This contains useful checklists, reference materials, and other practical resources, much of which is transferable.  Please note any reference to legal or regulatory requirements will not apply here in the UK –  ARCH-COVID_Respite_Guidelines (PDF)
  • Preliminary Results of the Supporting Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Global Survey (Webinar)  A total of 244 individuals from 17 different countries responded to the Supporting Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Global Survey. The purpose of the survey was to understand the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on respite care services and identify best practices for supporting caregivers during this time. (Hosted by BREAK Exchange & ARCH National Respite Network)

Other links

Online practitioner forums

  • If you would be interested in joining our online forum for service managers of disabled children and young people short break services, please contact: don.williamson@sharedcarescotland.com  This peer support network provides a platform for service managers to exchange ideas and information.  The group also meets (by Zoom at the moment) on a monthly basis to keep each other up-to-date.
  • We are currently looking in to setting up a similar forum for service managers of adult and older people short break services.  If you would be interested, please contact: don.williamson@sharedcarescotland.com
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