How to get respite care

Caring for a loved one can be an incredibly demanding role, both physically and emotionally. Many unpaid or family carers find themselves close to burnout due to the constant nature of caring responsibilities and the lack of time to rest and recharge. For some, respite care is the first step into receiving external support for a loved one. 

Respite care offers short-term care, ranging from a few days to a few weeks, designed to relieve the pressure of caring and provide family or unpaid carers with time to rest, reset and take a break. However, despite the clear benefits, many people are unsure where to begin. The range of options available can feel overwhelming, particularly when care is needed urgently. 

In this blog, we will explain what respite care is, who it can support, the conditions it can cover, and most importantly, how to get respite care. 

What is respite care? 

Let’s start with the basics. What is respite care? 

The word respite means a short period of rest or relief from something demanding. In the context of care, respite care refers to temporary care that allows a regular family carer to take a break, while ensuring their loved one continues to receive safe, professional support. 

Although caring for someone can be deeply rewarding, it can also be physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Respite care recognises that carers need time away from their responsibilities to protect their own health and wellbeing. 

Respite care is typically short-term and flexible. It may be arranged for just a few days, one or two weeks, or occasionally longer, depending on individual circumstances. This flexibility makes respite care suitable for planned breaks, such as holidays, as well as unplanned situations where carers are unwell or unable to continue caring temporarily. 

Unlike long-term care, which provides ongoing and an often-permanent support, respite care is designed to be temporary. It offers continuity of care without committing to a permanent care arrangement, making it a valuable option for families who need short-term support. 

Who can benefit from respite care? 

Respite care can benefit a wide range of people and is suitable at many different stages of the care journey. It is not limited to one age group, condition or situation. 

Older people: Older people often benefit from respite care when their usual carer needs a break or additional support is required following illness, reduced mobility or increasing frailty. It can also be helpful for individuals who wish to remain at home but need short-term assistance.  

Those with disabilities: People living with disabilities may use respite care to maintain routines and independence while ensuring their carer has time to rest or attend to other commitments. Respite can be planned regularly or arranged as needed. 

Long-term health conditions: Those with long-term health conditions may benefit from respite care during periods when symptoms worsen or when extra support is required to manage daily tasks safely. 

Post-hospital: Respite care is also commonly used following a hospital stay. Short-term care at home can support recovery, reduce the risk of readmission, and give family members time to adjust to new care needs. 

Supporting you: Importantly, respite care supports carers themselves. Whether carers need time off for rest, work, family responsibilities, or an emergency situation, respite care provides reassurance that their loved one is being well cared for in their absence.

What conditions can respite care support? 

Respite care can support a wide range of health conditions and care needs, from relatively straightforward assistance to more complex medical support. 

Degenerative & neurological conditions: Common conditions supported by respite care include dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, where continuity, familiarity and reassurance are essential. Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions can also be supported, particularly where mobility, medication management or personal care is required. 

Strokes: Individuals recovering from a stroke may benefit from respite care that provides support with rehabilitation, mobility and daily activities while reducing pressure on family members. 

Physical disabilities: Respite care is suitable for people with physical disabilities or learning disabilities, offering tailored support that meets individual needs and preferences. 

End of life care: It can also provide vital support for people receiving palliative or end-of-life care, ensuring comfort, dignity and compassionate care while giving families time to rest and emotionally recharge. 

Complex care needs: For those with complex needs, including medical or nursing requirements, respite care can still be an option. With appropriate assessment and professional support, even individuals with higher-level care needs can receive safe and effective respite care in their own home. 

How to get respite care and who provides it  

Respite care can be accessed in a number of ways, depending on your loved one’s care needs, your financial circumstances, and whether you qualify for public funding. While the process can feel complex at first, understanding the main routes available can help you decide the best next step. 

Local authority support 
Many people begin by contacting their local council’s adult social care team. Under the Care Act, local authorities must carry out a carer’s assessment and a care needs assessment to understand the impact of caring and the level of support required. If respite care is identified as necessary, the council will then complete a financial assessment to determine whether they will contribute towards the cost. 

Local authority funded respite care is often arranged as a short stay in a care home, although in some cases in-home support may be offered. Availability, timeframes and options can vary depending on where you live and local demand, so it is important to discuss what is realistically available in your area. 

NHS Continuing Healthcare 
In some circumstances, respite care may be funded by the NHS through Continuing Healthcare. This applies when a person has complex, ongoing health needs and their primary need is medical rather than social care. Eligibility is assessed by the NHS and criteria are strict, but if approved, respite care can form part of a fully funded care package. This route is most relevant where care needs are clinically driven. 

Residential respite care 
Many care homes offer short-term respite stays, typically lasting one to three weeks. During this time, your loved one will stay in the care home and follow its routines, with meals, activities and care provided. This option can work well for some people, but may feel unfamiliar or less flexible for others, particularly if routines and surroundings are important. 

Live-in respite care 
Live-in respite care offers a highly flexible alternative. A professional carer comes to live in your loved one’s home for an agreed period, providing one-to-one support tailored to their routines, preferences and needs. Respite live-in care can last from a few days to several weeks and allows your loved one to remain in familiar surroundings, which many families find reassuring. Live-in care can sometimes be funded by your local authority, but is generally privately funded.  

Charities and self-funding 
Some charities offer grants or financial support towards respite care, particularly for unpaid carers. If you do not qualify for council or NHS funding, you can also choose to self-fund respite care. While this involves paying privately, it offers the widest choice in terms of care type, provider and flexibility. 

Needing respite care does not mean you are failing as a carer. Caring for someone is demanding, and taking a break is not only reasonable but essential. Respite care supports carers to rest and recover, while ensuring loved ones continue to receive safe, compassionate care. 

The right respite option will look different for every family. Whether you are just starting to explore care, planning for the future, or responding to an immediate need, getting advice early can make the process far less overwhelming. 

If you would like to talk through your options, our team is always happy to help. We offer a free, no obligation conversation about respite care and wider care options, even if live-in care is not your first choice. Sometimes, simply talking things through can make all the difference. 

If you’d like to find out how our experienced live-in care and nursing teams can support your loved one, contact us today for free no-obligation advice. 

Live-in care 

Careadvisorteam@consultuscare.com 

01732 355231  

Live-in nursing  

nursing@consultuscare.com 

01732 770 403