Respite care for dementia
Exceptional respite care at home for over 60 years
Caring for someone who is living with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. Over time, the continuous responsibilities can lead to carer fatigue, impacting both the family carer's wellbeing and the quality of care provided. Respite care offers a vital opportunity for carers to rest and recharge, ensuring they can continue to provide compassionate support.
At Consultus Care and Nursing, we understand the unique challenges faced by families caring for a loved one with dementia. We’ve been the first choice for families for over 60 years: the largest and most recommended independent live-in care and live-in nursing provider in the country. Our live-in respite care services give family carer’s peace of mind, whilst your loved one receives personalised care on their terms from the comfort of their own home.
Understanding dementia and the need for respite
Dementia affects memory, thinking, and behaviour, often leading to increased dependence on primary caregivers. As the condition progresses, the demands on family carers can intensify, making regular breaks essential to maintain their own health, wellbeing and resilience. Respite care provides temporary relief, allowing family or primary caregivers to attend to personal needs, rest, or simply take time for themselves, knowing their loved one is in capable hands.
Talk to us today
Give us a call to discuss your needs with one of our friendly, expert Care Advisors. They will guide you through your options to ensure you make the right choice for you and your family.
What does dementia respite cover?
Respite care for someone living with dementia should be both compassionate and considered, with every element of care tailored to the individual’s routines, preferences, and emotional needs. This may include:
Ensuring walkways are free from trip hazards, hard floors are dry, and any potentially harmful items are safely out of reach, helping the individual feel secure in their surroundings.
Taking time to talk, actively listen, and gently support conversations without correcting or contradicting. Carers may also help facilitate hobbies such as gardening, crafts, or games to maintain enjoyment and connection.
Supporting daily routines such as washing, dressing, and grooming in a way that feels dignified and unhurried, while making sure the individual is comfortable, clean, and appropriately dressed for the weather.
Encouraging gentle movement, whether it’s a short walk or light seated exercise, to help maintain mobility and physical wellbeing where possible.
Offering gentle reassurance and calm support if the person wakes during the night, helping them settle back to sleep with minimal disruption or distress.
Reducing feelings of isolation by supporting safe visits with loved ones, and offering reassurance during moments of confusion, distress, or hallucinations.
Using specialist knowledge, empathy, and patience to support individuals when they feel anxious, agitated, or withdrawn - always aiming to calm and comfort.
Benefits of respite care for those living with dementia and their family
Dementia affects every individual differently, and it can place both emotional and physical demands on family members who are caring for a loved one. Respite care offers a valuable opportunity for carers to take a break - while ensuring their loved one continues to receive the attentive, personalised care they need. Just as importantly, respite care provides structure, reassurance, and companionship for the person living with dementia, helping to preserve wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and maintain familiar routines in a safe environment.
Some of the key benefits of respite care for dementia include:
Family carers can take time for themselves, with peace of mind knowing their loved one is being cared for by a trained professional in the comfort of home.
Maintaining regular daily patterns helps reduce confusion and anxiety in those with dementia. Respite care at home supports the same familiar surroundings, meals, and schedules that help the individual feel safe and settled.
Carers experienced in dementia care bring calmness, understanding, and patience - helping to manage changing behaviours, emotional needs, and any complex symptoms that may arise.
Respite care provides companionship and stimulation, helping the person with dementia remain socially connected and emotionally supported
Regular breaks for family carers can help prevent burnout, strengthen relationships, and allow families to return to their caring role feeling better rested and supported themselves.
How we provide respite care at home
At Consultus Care, we offer three distinct live-in care services for those requiring respite. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the right level of care that meets their needs, whilst providing choice as to how their care arrangement is managed.
Introductory live-in care
With our introductory live-in care service, we recruit a self-employed carer who works in your home for you, independently of us. In contrast to our managed live-in care service, with introductory care, we do not direct, supervise or manage the carers we introduce to you, and the carers are paid directly by you.
Managed live-in care
Our fully managed live-in care service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, which results in regular inspections to ensure the care we provide is of the highest standard. We fully manage the service, which means carers are supervised, managed and monitored by us when working in a client’s home.
Live-in nursing
Our live-in nurses are fully qualified registered nurses, with a minimum of three years post qualification experience. They are carefully selected for their specific skills and knowledge and have a broad range of experience including community and acute nursing, and palliative care.
Planning for respite care
Taking the step to arrange respite care - especially for a loved one living with dementia - can feel like a significant decision. With the right planning and support, however, it can become a seamless and reassuring process that benefits everyone involved. Planning ahead not only ensures that the care is tailored to your loved one’s unique needs, but also gives family members time to prepare emotionally and practically for the temporary change.
It’s helpful to start by considering when a break might be most needed - for example, during a holiday, after a hospital stay, or when the primary carer begins to feel overwhelmed. From there, a care provider can carry out a thorough assessment, identifying what level of care and support will be most appropriate.
Having open conversations with your loved one - if they are able to take part - can help them feel more comfortable with the idea of someone new stepping in, even for a short while. Sharing their personal preferences, routines, and any known triggers or comforts with the care provider will help ensure continuity and peace of mind. It’s also a good time to review any lasting powers of attorney or medical documents to make sure they are up to date and accessible.
Why choose Consultus Care and Nursing?
One of the longest-established and most trusted providers
Founded in 1962, we have always been innovators in live-in care and live-in nursing. With over 60 years’ experience, we are one of the country’s longest-established, most highly recommended and experienced providers.
Unrivalled choice and control over your care
We understand that every person’s needs are different and every family’s situation is unique. With our choice of fully managed live-in care and nursing, and our introductory service, we offer more flexibility and personalisation than any other provider.
Highly trained nurses and carers
We are nationally recognised for the quality of our nurses and carers. With market-leading training, delivered at our own, multi-award-winning training centre, they provide exemplary, compassionate care tailored to individual needs, offering total peace of mind for clients and their families.
Expert care and support, dedicated to you
Our Care Consultants oversee our nursing and managed care services supporting only a small number of families. This means our service is truly personal, with unrivalled support and continuity of care. Reassurance that we are there when you need us most.
Family-founded, family-owned
We continue to be a family-owned and family-managed business. The largest wholly family-owned live-in care provider in the UK, we focus on what our clients and their families need from a high-quality care service, not on meeting investors’ expectations.
How much does respite care at home cost?
The cost of respite live-in care varies depending on the length of care required and the specific needs of your loved one. At Consultus, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees, allowing you to understand the cost upfront. We offer competitive rates and will work with you to find a solution that fits your family’s budget.
For a personalised quote and to discuss your specific needs, please contact us. Our Care Advisors are ready to guide you through the process, ensuring that you find the right care solution for your loved one.
Download our brochure
To find out more about our award-winning live-in care services, download our brochure below.
Looking for care?
Please fill out the enquiry form below and we will aim to contact you within 24 hours. Looking to work for Consultus Care and Nursing? Please apply here.