Respite care
Short-term support to give you some much-needed respite
In home respite care, for when you’re in a need of a break
Respite care is a short-term passage of care, often for one to two weeks, from a carer who is different from your usual provider.
These respite breaks can be both planned or unplanned depending on circumstances, and can take place in your own home. Everybody needs some time for themselves, even more so when they care for someone else. This is where respite care can be integral to you and your carer’s routine. Typically, this will be done to give your current carer a well-needed break from their duties.
Whether it’s covering a two-week holiday, a short break, or needed because of sickness or a family emergency, we’re here when you need us. We offer one-to-one care from skilled professionals trained on our Skills for Care endorsed training programme.
Care of the highest standard
With 30 years’ experience, our team of dedicated carers are all trained to provide the highest standard of care possible.
We’re here to make sure the person you care for has the right support, even if you’re not around.
As we’re regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), you can rest assured that your loved one is safe and has everything they need. Whether respite care is for disabled people, companionship or condition led care, we are able to support you every step of the way. We will give you information and advice throughout and aid you when you’re arranging respite care to get a change of scenery.
Fully regulated by the CQC and CIW
- What does regulation mean?
Our service is regularly monitored, inspected and regulated by an independent body. - What are the benefits of regulated service?
You have peace of mind that your care is approved by social care’s regulating body. - How does regulation affect my care?
Our regulation means a guarantee that we’ll provide you with high quality care, no matter what.
What is respite care?
Respite care is temporary care for elders or individuals when their normal carers are not available.
Respite care, or a carers respite, is typically used as part of recovery after an accident, illness or surgery when regular carers need a break, or additional specialised support is required.
This temporary arrangement is offered by trained carers for numerous care types including assisted living, residential care, types of dementia care and nursing care. Respite care is also available for elderly people or those that need extra support following an operation or illness.
Our team are on hand to help
While regular carers take a well-earned break from the demanding duties of being a full-time carer, our team are on hand to help.
This type of care is available to keep the recipient at home and without disturbing their routine or taking them from their familiar surroundings. The person you look after will receive expert temporary care at home instead of in a care home.
We understand the strain you are under
Caring for another person can be physically and mentally demanding, and much more than purely handling the day-to-day tasks.
Especially when caring for long periods at a time, the emotional strain can take its toll. Respite care provides your main carer with a temporary break while ensuring your care needs are met. The types of respite care available will ensure that those receiving care will have their requirements met by our expert carers and management team, whilst you look after yourself.
Unlike an average homecare agency, our service is fully managed, and overseen by a dedicated team of senior carers and managers.
The different types of respite care
Respite care ensures that the person you are supporting always has someone there to help them if you’re not around. With our expert carer assessments in place, we are able to provide the highest quality respite care breaks for carers, friends and family.
Live-in care
Where the carer lives in your house, offering support and company day and night
Visiting care
If you need some extra support for a just a few hours each day or each week
Day care centres
Taking you out of your normal routine and placing the person receiving care in a day centre
You might also need to arrange short-term care if you have to attend a family emergency or other commitments. Respite care ensures that the person you are supporting always has someone there to help them if you’re not around. With our expert carer assessments in place, we are able to provide the highest quality respite care breaks for carers, friends and family.
What is the cost of respite care?
If you’re in need of a carer respite or your primary carer has let you down, we can provide care on a temporary basis for you.
We pride ourselves on offering prices which are clear and up-front, without any hidden costs. To help cover the costs and pay for respite care, it would be worth looking into whether you are entitled to a carers’ allowance from your local council.
Costs of live-in respite care
Live-in care can be arranged for a minimum of two weeks. The prices start from £370 per day for a unique package of support with a dedicated live-in carer able to help with standard visiting and elderly care, up to more complex conditions such as dementia care.
This price includes having a locally based manager to arrange and coordinate the support you receive and handle any queries or concerns.
If you need live-in care for more than 28 days, our weekly prices for live-in care apply.
Costs of visiting respite care
- Prices start from £22.29 per hour for one-to-one personal home care
- Flexible costs for visits lasting 30, 45 or 60 minutes
- Prices depend on your location and specific care needs, with differences for overnight care and support provided during weekends and bank holidays
- Call-out fee of £3.50 per visit to cover travel costs
We can accept direct payments for your care if you’re receiving social care funding. This is completed through your local authority following a financial assessment and having opted for this to be paid directly to you.
Will having a carer respite affect my carer’s allowances or other benefits?
When you are caring for someone else it is essential that you get the opportunity to take regular breaks.
However, taking a break can also make you worry about your financial status; after all, if you’re not caring for the person, does that mean you can still receive your carer’s allowance and other benefits?
According to Age UK, it can be a complicated process so it’s a good idea to seek some advice from the Carer’s Allowance Unit on the government website, as while “The basic rule is that you can continue to receive your Carer’s Allowance for up to four weeks in any six-month period if you have a break from caring”, there are special rules that will need to be followed.
What does a respite carer do?
Your chosen respite carer is there to do all the things you normally do.
They can live in your home to provide 24 hour care, or attend on a visiting basis – your care plan is tailored completely to your needs. An individual support plan is created before any care commences to ensure our carers meet all of your requirements.
Your carer’s daily tasks could involve:
Nursing care
Such as catheter or continence support
Personal care
Including dressing, showering, and toileting
Mobility support
Helping your loved one move around the house
Medication administration
Administering medication at the correct times
Companionship
Ongoing companionship and emotional support
Dietary needs
Cooking meals and fetching the food shopping
Housekeeping
Including washing and drying clothes
Going out and about
Arranging visits out, for a break or to see family and friends
Pet care
Feeding and caring for pets if you have any
What makes us different?
Arranging respite care?
Page reviewed by Louise Bradley, Regional Care Director, on June 22, 2022.