Everybody needs some time to themselves. Getting time for yourself can be good for both you and the person you care for.
If you are comfortable with the idea, ask family, friends or perhaps a neighbour to provide a small amount of care. This could be a couple of hours a week to give you time to relax or catch up on seeing friends.
A local care group may be able to provide half a day's care a few times a month. There are carers' groups in many parts of the country. Some areas have carers' workers whose job is to co-ordinate groups and get support for people.
Some Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts provide a wide range of services to give carers a break. Sometimes, the choice may be limited or there may be a wait. It is important to find out the availability of services and how to access them.
Here are some services which may help you to take a break:
Your local HSC Trust may work with voluntary organisations or charities across the country and involve specialist short-break providers to offer you a break.
A short-term break can be achieved in many ways and doesn't necessarily mean going away from home. You and the person you care for may want to stay together during a break - or you may not.
What's important is that both you, and the person you care for, are happy with whatever arrangements are made.
The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local HSC Trust website, where you can apply for a short-term break and/or find out more.
Caring for someone