Respite care at home
Short-term cover for days or weeks, so a family carer can rest, go on holiday or deal with their own health, while their loved one stays at home with a carer they have chosen.
What is respite care?
Respite care is temporary care that gives a family carer a break. With in-home respite, a carer comes to your relative's home, either for visits or to live in, and keeps their routine going while you are away or resting.
Types of respite care
- In-home hourly respite: a carer visits for agreed hours so you can have regular time off
- In-home live-in respite: a carer lives in while you are away, for example on holiday
- Residential respite: a short stay in a care home
- Day centres: daytime activities and company outside the home
LCH Care introduces carers for respite at home, so your relative does not need to move or adjust to a new place.
How long respite can last
Respite can be a few hours each week, a long weekend, or several weeks while you are away. Hourly visits suit regular time off; live-in care suits longer breaks, and is booked for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Book the break before you need it
Breaks planned in advance are easier to arrange than breaks needed in a crisis. If you know when you want to go away, tell us early. Introducing the carer to your relative before you leave, even by video call, helps everyone feel more settled.
Your handover checklist
- The daily routine: when your relative gets up, eats and goes to bed
- Medication and when it is taken
- Likes, dislikes, and what helps if they become upset or confused
- Important contacts: you, family, GP and neighbours
- Practical details: keys, heating, bins, pets and how the appliances work
Signs a family carer needs a break
- You are tired all the time, or not sleeping properly
- You feel low, irritable or close to tears
- Your own health appointments keep getting put off
- You rarely see friends or do anything for yourself
- You are worried about what would happen if you became ill
Caring is hard work, and a break helps you keep going. You are entitled to a free carer's assessment from your council, which looks at the support you need, including breaks. The NHS lists support and benefits for carers.
What a respite carer does
The same as any carer you choose: personal care, meals, medication prompts, housework, company and outings, as agreed. Write down the routine, preferences and important contacts before you go, and share them with the carer so the handover is smooth.
Book your break early
Planned breaks are easier to arrange. Tell us your dates and we'll start looking for a carer.
Respite for people with dementia
Change can be unsettling for someone living with dementia. Respite at home keeps their surroundings and routine the same, and seeing the same carer each time you take a break helps. If your relative got on well with a carer, tell us before your next break. Read about dementia care at home.
Regular respite
Many family carers book a few hours every week, or one weekend a month, rather than waiting until they are exhausted. Regular breaks are easier to keep up with, and your relative gets used to the carer.
What respite care costs
Respite at home is arranged as hourly visits or live-in care. Hourly care costs £25 an hour, with a minimum of 2 hours a visit, and live-in care costs £1,100 a week. Tell us the dates and the help needed, and we'll confirm the price and booking in writing before care starts.
Paying for respite care
Your council may fund respite after a needs assessment for the person you care for, or a carer's assessment for you. If you get Carer's Allowance, check how a break from caring affects it before you book. NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover care needed mainly for health reasons.
How to arrange respite care
Tell us the dates
When you need cover, for how long, and the help needed each day.
Choose a carer
We send profiles of suitable carers who are available for those dates.
Speak first
Talk by phone or video call, and introduce the carer to your relative if you can.
Take your break
Hand over the routine and contacts, and rest knowing someone is there.
How carers are checked
Before LCH Care introduces a carer, we check their identity, right to work in the UK, Enhanced DBS, two references, work history, and relevant training or qualifications. Carers also hold their own public liability insurance. You then speak to the carer by phone or video call before you agree to anything.
Other types of care
Questions
What is respite care?
Temporary care that gives a family carer a break, from a few hours a week to several weeks while you are away.
Who is respite care for?
Anyone who looks after a relative or friend and needs time off, and the person they care for, who keeps their routine at home with a carer.
How quickly can respite care start?
We'll do our best. Urgent starts depend on carers being available in your area, so book planned breaks as early as you can.
Does the NHS or council pay for respite care?
Your council may pay towards respite after a needs assessment or a carer's assessment. NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover care needed mainly for health reasons.
Will taking a break affect my Carer's Allowance?
It can, depending on how long the break lasts. Check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Can we have the same carer next time?
If your relative got on well with their carer, tell us and we'll check whether they are available for your next break.
How long can respite care last?
From a few hours a week to several weeks. Live-in respite is booked for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Can respite care be regular?
Yes. Regular hourly visits or a regular weekend away are common. Agree the pattern with your carer.
What if I don't know how long I'll need respite for?
Tell us what you know. The arrangement can be extended, and you can end it following the notice terms in your agreement.
Can respite care turn into longer-term care?
Yes. Some families find respite works so well that they keep the carer on for regular or live-in care.