Family carers need breaks too, and respite care means you can take one without worrying about who’s looking after your relative while you’re away. We can cover anything from a single afternoon to a week or more, planned in advance or arranged at short notice if something comes up.
Your relative gets the same standard of personal care and companionship they’re used to, and you get genuine time off — whether that’s a holiday, a hospital stay of your own, or simply a chance to rest.
Is Respite Care Right for You?
Respite care might be the right fit if:
- You’re a family carer who needs a proper break, whether for a few hours, a weekend, or longer
- You have an event, holiday, or hospital stay coming up and need trusted cover for your relative
- Something’s come up unexpectedly and you need short-notice support
- You want to try care support for the first time, without committing to an ongoing arrangement
- Your relative needs consistent personal care standards even when you’re not the one providing it
What’s Included
- Personal care: washing, bathing, dressing, and continence support, kept to the same standard your relative is used to
- Medication prompts: keeping to their usual medication routine while you’re away
- Meal preparation: cooking meals to their usual tastes and dietary needs
- Companionship: conversation and company so your relative doesn’t feel abandoned or anxious while you’re away
- Handover and continuity: we take a full handover from you beforehand so nothing about their routine gets missed
- Flexible duration: cover from a single afternoon to several weeks, planned ahead or arranged at short notice
How to Get Started
- Call us: speak to our care team on 023 9279 8029 about the dates and support you need
- Handover visit: we meet you and your relative, and go through their routine, preferences, and any specific needs
- Cover begins: your carer steps in on the agreed dates, with regular updates if you want them
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice do you need for respite care?
We recommend a few days if possible, so we can carry out a proper handover, but we can arrange short-notice cover when something comes up unexpectedly.
How long can respite care cover last?
From a single afternoon to several weeks. It’s built around what you need, not a fixed package.
Will my relative see a different carer than usual?
They’ll be looked after by a carer briefed thoroughly on their routine and preferences, even if it’s someone new to them, to keep disruption to a minimum.
Can respite care be funded through Direct Payments?
Yes. We support families funding care through Direct Payments and can help you set this up.
Can respite care lead into ongoing support?
Yes. If you find it helpful, many families move from occasional respite cover into a regular ongoing care plan.
