Respite care at home means a care worker takes over for a while so you can have a break from caring. Your parent stays at home with their own routines, and you get time to rest. We can match you with a CQC-registered agency near you.
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Respite care at home
If you look after a parent, you need time off too. Respite care means a professional carer covers the care you would usually give, for a few hours, a few days or longer while you go away.
It can be visiting care, overnight care or a live-in carer, depending on how much you normally do. Because your parent stays in their own home, there is less upheaval than a short stay in a care home.
Some families book respite regularly, which also means your parent gets to know a carer who could help more in future. Others use it for a holiday, a family event or when the family carer is unwell.
“A carer steps in at home so you can take a break, rest or go away.”
Hattie’s short versionEvery care plan is different. These are the things carers most often help with.
Is it right for you?
What usually happens once an agency gets in touch.
Get in touch with agencies as early as you can, especially for holidays. The agency will assess your parent and ask you what you normally do, so they understand the full picture.
It really helps to write down routines, medicines, likes and dislikes and who to call in an emergency. The agency will turn this into a care plan and arrange for the carer to meet your parent, ideally before you go.
While you are away, the agency should check how things are going. When you get back, it is worth talking through how it went, as this makes the next break easier to arrange.
Costs and funding
The cost of respite care depends on how long it lasts and how much care is needed each day. Our cost guide explains what affects the price, and the calculator helps you estimate it. Care may be paid for from savings or by the council after a needs and financial assessment, and family carers can also ask the council for a carer’s assessment.
As early as you can, especially around school holidays and Christmas. Some agencies can help at short notice, but it is not guaranteed.
You can ask the council for a carer’s assessment. It looks at the support you need, which may include help with breaks.
Share routines, medicines, food likes, how your parent communicates and who to call. A short written note makes the handover much easier.
Yes. Some families use a few hours a week so they can rest, shop or see friends, while others book longer cover for a holiday.
Try a short visit or two before your break so they can meet the carer. Many people settle once the carer is a familiar face.
A carer lives in the home, giving support through the day and company at night.
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Care workers visit at set times, from short calls to several hours a day.
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Friendly visits for company, conversation, outings and a little help at home.
Find out more →Answer a few simple questions and we’ll match you with a CQC-registered agency that covers your area.
Accreditations and compliance
ICO registration ZC221613
