Respite Care for People with ADHD

Respite care services for people with ADHD, their family members and carers in the UK.

What is respite care?

Respite care is an arrangement whereby someone with a disability and the person who cares for them are given a short-term break from one another. Traditionally this has been seen as being for the benefit of the carer, but increasingly it is being accepted as beneficial for the person with the disability as well.

Where does it take place?

Respite care can be provided either at home or in a residential setting.

How do I ask for respite care?

In normal circumstances, you should contact your local social services department. A need for respite care can be identified via an assessment under the Children Act 1989, the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 or the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995.

We have another Information Sheet which has more details on how to approach the local authority is on the Information Section - Introduction to Assessment by Social Services.

Is respite care available to people with ADD/ADHD and their carers?

Yes, but unfortunately it has to be acknowledged that respite care is a service that is generally in short supply and that people with ADD/ADHD are a group for whom it is often difficult to find places within respite services.

What should I do if I am denied respite care or I am unhappy with the service currently being provided?

In the first instance, you should utilise your social services department's complaints procedure. All social services departments must have a complaints procedure and, if requested, inform you of how it operates. If this is unsuccessful you may be able to take your case to the Local Government Ombudsman or even possibly the Secretary of State.

Are there any respite care services specifically for people with ADD/ADHD?

At the present time we are not aware of any specific respite care services, however, if we hear of any we will update.

Going on holiday

All of us can benefit from going on holiday and this can be the same for people with ADD/ADHD and their families. Finding a holiday scheme able to meet their needs can be difficult though. We do have a fact sheet available on our Information Section, which lists a number of holiday schemes that are willing to accept people with ADHD. This also contains details of useful organisations, some of which can provide practical or financial assistance so as to help people with disabilities and their families go on holiday.