Respite Care
Short-term care that gives family carers a well-deserved break while ensuring your loved one receives quality support in a safe environment.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care provides temporary relief for family carers by arranging short-term care for the person they look after. It gives carers time to rest, recharge, attend to their own needs, or simply take a holiday, knowing their loved one is in safe hands.
Respite care can take several forms: a short stay in a care home (from a few days to several weeks), a live-in carer coming to stay at home, or increased home care visits. The best option depends on the person's needs and preferences.
Far from being a luxury, respite care is essential for sustainable caring. The average family carer provides over 20 hours of care per week, and many provide round-the-clock support. Without breaks, carers risk burnout, exhaustion, and their own health problems.
Regular respite can also benefit the person receiving care, offering social opportunities, a change of scenery, and time with different people. Some people come to enjoy their respite stays as a regular 'holiday' they look forward to.
Carer Wellbeing
Essential breaks to prevent burnout and maintain carer health
Flexible Options
Care home stays, home-based care, or day centres
Planned or Emergency
Arrange regular breaks or access emergency cover when needed
Quality Care
Professional support in a safe, caring environment
Who is Respite Care suitable for?
- Family carers needing a break from caring responsibilities
- Carers going on holiday or attending events
- Carers recovering from their own illness or surgery
- Emergency situations when the usual carer is unavailable
- Families wanting to 'try out' care home life before permanent admission
- People who would enjoy periodic social breaks from routine
Services Typically Included
Respite Care providers offer a comprehensive range of support services tailored to individual needs.
Care Home Respite
Short stays in residential or nursing homes, typically 1-4 weeks
Home-Based Respite
A carer visits or stays at home while family carers take a break
Day Care Centres
Daytime respite in community centres with activities and social opportunities
Sitting Services
A carer stays for a few hours to allow short breaks
Emergency Respite
Urgent care arranged when carers are suddenly unavailable
Night Sitting
Overnight care so family carers can get a full night's sleep
Holiday Respite
Extended care periods allowing carers to take proper holidays
Activity-Based Respite
Programmes combining care with activities, outings, and socialisation
Benefits of Respite Care
Understanding the advantages can help you decide if respite care is the right choice.
Prevent Burnout
Regular breaks help carers maintain their own physical and mental health
Sustainable Caring
Respite enables carers to continue caring for longer without exhaustion
Family Time
Carers can spend quality time with other family members
Peace of Mind
Know your loved one is safe and well cared for while you're away
Try Before Committing
Respite stays help assess care homes before permanent admission
Social Benefits
The person receiving care may enjoy the change and new social interactions
How to Get Started
A step-by-step guide to arranging respite care for yourself or a loved one.
Recognise the Need
Acknowledge that taking breaks is essential for sustainable caring, not a failure or abandonment.
Explore Options
Consider whether care home respite, home-based care, or day services best suit your situation and your loved one's needs.
Plan Ahead
Book respite well in advance for planned breaks. Good care homes get booked up, especially during holiday periods.
Prepare Information
Provide detailed information about care needs, routines, preferences, and medication to ensure continuity of care.
Settle In Support
For care home respite, consider visiting beforehand and bringing familiar items to help your loved one settle.
Take Your Break
Use your respite time to genuinely rest and recharge—this benefits everyone in the long run.
Costs & Funding Options
Understanding the costs involved and how respite care can be funded.
Typical Costs
* Costs vary by location, provider, and level of care required. Contact providers for accurate quotes.
Funding Options
- Self-funding (private payment)
- Local council respite funding (following carer's assessment)
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (if eligible)
- Carer's Allowance enables access to other support
- Charity grants (e.g., Carers Trust, condition-specific charities)
- Direct Payments to arrange your own respite
How to Choose the Right Provider
Key considerations to help you find a quality respite care provider.
Questions to Ask
- •What's your availability for the dates I need?
- •How will you ensure continuity of care with our routines?
- •What activities and engagement will be provided?
- •How do you handle medication and specific care needs?
- •Can we visit beforehand to help my loved one prepare?
- •What communication will I receive during the respite stay?
- •What happens in an emergency?
- •Is there a minimum or maximum stay length?
What to Look For
- Good CQC rating and recent inspection
- Experience with your loved one's specific conditions
- Welcoming, friendly atmosphere
- Flexibility to accommodate individual routines
- Good communication with families
- Activities and engagement during the stay
- Availability that matches your needs
Red Flags to Avoid
- No availability when you need it (plan ahead!)
- Unwillingness to follow existing care routines
- Poor communication or dismissive attitude
- No interest in understanding your loved one's preferences
- Pressure to book without seeing the facility
- Hidden costs or unclear pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about respite care answered by our care experts.
Related Care Types
Explore other care options that might suit your needs.
Ready to Find Respite Care?
Search our directory of CQC-registered providers or speak to our care advisors for free, impartial guidance.
Free, no-obligation support available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm