What is respite care?
At Consultus Care and Nursing, we understand the commitment and love that goes into caring for someone every day. But we also know how important it is to take time to rest, recharge, and look after one’s own wellbeing. With over 60 years of experience in delivering trusted, compassionate care, we firmly believe life is better at home - not just for those receiving support, but for the families who care for them too.
What is respite care?
Respite care is short-term care provided to give a family carer a temporary break from their caring responsibilities. respite care offers a chance to pause and take some time for rest, knowing that a loved one continues to receive the attention and support they need.
It can be planned in advance - for example, to coincide with a holiday or work commitment - or arranged at short notice if an emergency arises. Respite care isn’t just for those recovering from illness or surgery; it’s equally valuable for families managing longer-term conditions such as dementia or chronic illness, where ongoing support is needed.
How and where can you receive respite care?
Respite care is designed to be flexible, and there are several ways it can be delivered depending on individual needs, preferences, and the level of support required. Choosing the right setting is key to ensuring comfort and continuity for both the person receiving care and their loved ones.
At home
Home is the most reassuring and comfortable place to receive care. With live-in respite care, a professional carer temporarily moves into the home to offer round-the-clock support. This one-to-one care provides consistency and familiarity, which is especially important for individuals living with dementia or complex needs. Staying at home avoids the disruption of moving into a new environment, such as a care home, helping to maintain routines and a sense of independence.
In a residential care home
Some families may opt for a short-term stay in a care home, where professional staff are on hand 24/7 to provide care and support. This can be a good option for individuals who require a higher level of care or whose regular carer needs an extended break. However, being in an unfamiliar setting with different carers and routines can sometimes be unsettling.
In a day centre
Day centres offer structured daytime care, including meals, and social activities. They can provide stimulation and interaction in a safe, supervised environment, while giving family carers time during the day to work or rest. This type of care is usually available during weekday hours and can be a welcome addition to a regular care routine.
Visiting care
Visiting or domiciliary care involves a professional carer coming to the home at set times throughout the day to assist with tasks such as personal care, medication, meals or mobility. It offers flexible, short-term support without the need for a full-time live-in carer. This can be an ideal choice for those who are largely independent but still need a helping hand while their usual carer takes a break.
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.
Benefits of respite care
Respite care is more than just a temporary arrangement - it’s a vital part of maintaining wellbeing for both the person receiving care and their family. It offers a chance to recharge, while ensuring care can continue seamlessly. Whether planned or unexpected, it can bring reassurance, rest, and peace of mind to everyone involved.
Stepping away from caring duties - even briefly - helps family carers avoid burnout, rest, and take care of their own needs.
A well-rested family carer is more present, focused, and able to offer the kind of care they strive to give.
Professional carers bring experience, skills, and a fresh perspective, offering trusted, one-to-one support during the respite period
Knowing that a loved one is being cared for by an experienced professional brings reassurance and confidence to the whole family.
Respite care can offer a gentle introduction to receiving professional care, helping families understand what support may be beneficial in the longer term and what this might look like.
Respite care with Consultus Care
At Consultus Care, we offer flexible respite care at home tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s planned well in advance or needed urgently, our experienced carers provide gentle, one-to-one support at home - with compassion at the heart of what we do.
We believe no one should have to choose between quality care and the comfort of familiar surroundings. With Consultus Care, families can take a break with confidence, knowing their loved one is safe, supported, and cared for.
If you’d like to learn more about arranging respite care at home, our friendly Care Advisors are here to help. Call 01732 496715 or enquire online.
How to arrange respite care
Speak to a Care Advisor
Our friendly, expert Care Advisors are here to guide you through your options, answer your important questions, whilst providing support along the way.
Care assessment
If you would like our managed live-in care service, a Care Consultant local to you, will complete a free assessment of your needs in your home.
Care starts
A fully trained carer will be carefully matched to meet your needs, and will start to provide our high-quality service in your home.
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.
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.