Relief Visiting Service for Carers

MDHS must receive referrals from health and social care professionals.

Relief visiting provides support visits to vulnerable adults whilst a main carer is away or when they need additional short-term support e.g. on leaving hospital.

This service has been running since March 2004 in the East Elmbridge area and has now expanded to cover the whole of the Elmbridge area.

The service gives carers and families a chance to have a break, knowing that their loved ones are being looked after whilst they are away on holiday or incapacitated.  The times of visits can be varied to suite the needs of the client.  Visits are available for up to six weeks, which may be extended in certain circumstances to a maximum of twelve weeks.  The visitor is expected to cover all the help that the family or main carer would normally provide for them.  The visit will include a great variation of help to make sure that the client is ready to face the day and feel safe whilst their relative or carer is unavailable.

The relief carers are self-employed and have all the necessary qualifications needed for this service.  The charge for this service is paid directly to the relief carer. They are required to have appropriate Public Liability insurance cover.

A quality control programme is in place and clients may be randomly contacted throughout the year.  An annual questionnaire is sent to the clients to assess satisfaction.

Key Benefits

• Gives carers a break

• A backup for carers in case of illness

• Provided regular checks on the wellbeing of the client

• The feeling of security that the relief carer will monitor any changes in the clients wellbeing and report back to MDHS.

... Promoting Independent Living

MDHS HOUSEHOLD SERVICES
Case House, 85-89 High Street,
Walton on Thames, Surrey.  KT12 1DZ
Telephone: 01932 248533

Registered Charity No. 1026347
Member of the Commission for Social Care Inspection