Our Experts are here to help, give us aWhen you’re in a need of a break, we’re here to help
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.
Whether it’s covering a two-week holiday, a short break, or needed urgently because of sickness or a family emergency, we’re here when you need us to offer one-to-one care from skilled professionals trained on our Skills for Care endorsed training programme.
With 30 years’ experience and a team of carers all trained to provide the highest standard of care possible, we’re here to make sure person you care for has the right support even if you’re not around. And because we’re regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), you can have a few days’ rest safe in the knowledge your loved one is safe and has everything they need. Whether your caring role in need of one of our tailored respite breaks is for disabled people, companionship or condition led care, we are able to support you every step of the way with information and advice and helping you when you’re arranging respite care to get a change of scenery.
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I was worried about leaving my husband with a stranger. Once we met our carer those worries were soon gone. The carer was brilliant and very knowledgeable, which put me at ease in going away.
Christina, a Helping Hands customer
What is respite care?
Respite care is a temporary arrangement offered by our expertly trained carers for numerous care types including assisted living, residential care, dementia care and nursing care. It is also available for elderly people or those that need extra support following an operation or illness, or while their regular carer takes a well-earned break from the demanding duties of being a full time carer. 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 care at home instead of at a care home.
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 is there to provide your main carer with a break while still ensuring your care needs are met. The types of respite care available will ensure that those receiving care during a carers breaks and respite care period will have their requirements met bu our expert carers and management team.
Respite care can either be provided through:
- 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
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 ever you’re not around. With our expert carers assessments in place, alongside guidance from local council and known charities such as Age UK and the carers trust, we are able to provide the highest quality respite care breaks to your friends and family.
Helping Hands provided cover whilst I was away. I felt reassured that all was well in my absence and on my return Mum looked happy and the house had been cleaned and tidied for me.
Kathleen from Leicestershire
What is the cost of respite care?
If your primary carer needs a break or has let you down, we can provide a carer 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.
Live-in care
Live-in care can be arranged for a minimum of two weeks. The prices start from £250 per day for a unique package of support with a dedicated live-in carer. As with all of our prices, this also 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.
Read more about what live in care covers here.
Visiting care
- Prices start from £18.50 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
For a full quote which takes into account your individual needs and priorities, call us today to discuss this. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is here seven days a week to talk to you and walk through your options.
Direct payments
We can accept direct payments for your care if you’re receiving social care funding through your local authority following a financial assessment and have opted for this to be paid directly to you.
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 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 needs, such as catheter or continence support
- Personal care, including dressing, showering, and toileting
- Mobility support, helping your loved one move around the house
- Administering medication at the correct times
- Ongoing companionship and emotional support
- Cooking meals and fetching the food shopping
- Housekeeping, including washing and drying clothes
- Arranging visits out, for a break or to see family and friends
- Feeding and caring for pets if you have any
Respite carers also follow the routines you or a loved one are used to. For those living with conditions such as dementia, this consistency of care is incredibly important and being a member of the Dementia Action Alliance, we’re constantly striving for the best possible support for people with dementia, helping them to follow the routine they are comfortable with.
Our respite carers all undertake extensive training either at our Centre of Excellence in Warwickshire or at one of our local visiting care branches, ensuring that they have all the skills needed to help your friend or relative feel supported in the short time you’re away.
How to get respite care
A call can start the process of setting up care and can give you the opportunity to ask a member of our team any questions you may have, or if you simply just want to know more about the service.
After this a no-obligation home meeting can be set up which gives you the chance to meet with an expert and talk through your package of care. During this time, you will be able to give an insight into your preferences for a carer which we will work hard to meet. We help to match you with a fully trained carer who fits into your life and respects your space and dignity at all times.
If your regular carer is looking to go away on holiday or you want a few weeks of support following a hospital discharge, we can tailor a care package to suit you.
We cannot speak highly enough of our carer and of the way Helping Hands arranged this. I would have no hesitation of in going back to Helpings Hands when I need to have another respite.
Christina, a Helping Hands customer
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We’re here seven days a week to talk through your home care needs and find the best option for you. Call 03300376958 or request a callback and we will call you.
Page reviewed by Jill Hopcraft, Regional Care Director on April 18, 2019
