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Durham County Council Information Service
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Learning Difficulties

Short Break Centres

Parents and carers need a break sometimes and respite care is available. If a carer is assessed as needing some respite their son or daughter may be able to stay at one of the two Social Care and Health respite centres. They are:
  • Hawthorn House in Durham
  • Dean Lodge in Ferryhill
In the Easington Area there is also the Felton Unit which is a private establishment.

Carers go through a vigorous assessment process before they are approved and the scheme is very well checked by Adult Placement Officers. Some of the carers will provide a sitting service, where they visit the clients own home, which gives parents and carers a break.

Finally, Dorli Rochester is a private carer who provides respite care in her own home. She lives at Sherburn Hill but tends to provide respite care for people from the Easington area.

Before respite care can be arranged an assessment of need has to be carried out by a care co-ordinator (unless paying privately). An assessment can be arranged by calling Social Care Direct on 0845 8505010.

There is a means tested charge for respite care. This is not based upon the parent's/carers income but on the income of the son/daughter.

For further information please contact:
CentreAddressContact Telephone Number
Hawthorn House Short Break CentrePotterhouse Lane
Pity Me
Durham
DH1 5DL
Cath Duggan0191 3842692
Dean Lodge Respite BungalowDean Road
Ferryhill
County Durham
DL17 8AW
Joan Million 01740 652059