The entitlement is for the CARER!
It took me a while to get my head round this, but the respite entitlement is for YOU...
If you have not already done so, you need to tell Social Services you want a CARER'S ASSESSMENT - i.e. an assessment of YOUR needs, not the person you care for.
The social worker who does your assessment will tell you exactly what your respite entitlement is - it should be up to six weeks in a year. In my borough that "year" runs up to 5 April, so I have to request a NEW assessment each year - make sure you're clear about this otherwise you might not be able to access respite care again next year.
You may also be told you qualify for a carer's grant (to help with holiday costs). If so, make sure you APPLY for this separately - it is not automatic.
All the best.
