Short breaks, holidays and respite care

Taking a break is really important for everyone’s wellbeing. It is even more important when you’re living with the day-to-day demands of caring or being cared for.

A lot of people with MS will at some point need some support from family or friends. This need may vary over time, but whenever it does happen, it’s important that everyone involved in the caring or support relationship feels able to carry out their role.

A short break gives a valuable opportunity for carers and people with MS to rest and recharge their batteries, get out and meet people, spend quality time with family and friends, or pursue a hobby. It could even be as simple as getting a change of scenery.

What kind of thing can a break be?

A break can be anything you want it to be. The most important thing is that it’s a break from the usual routine, which is a positive experience for both the carer and the person with MS.

People without a carer can also benefit from a break from their home environment. 

A short break can range from a few hours to a few weeks in length. It can be taken independently, or together, with caring support.

It’s really up to you – you are expert when it comes to deciding what kind of break is right for you. Some examples of what a break could be are:

• holiday break
• regular activity or a visit to a day service
• break outside the home (with or without care provided) perhaps in an accessible venue or accommodation
• break at home where a care assistant takes over the caring responsibilities
• respite care break in a care home
• or anything else that you feel gives you the break you need

How the MS Society can help

Whatever kind of break you choose, find out about support you can get to plan and fund it.

Read about how our new approach to short breaks is improving the way we support people affected by MS to take the kind of breaks that suit them.

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