What is Respite Care ?

Respite care is short-term support that steps in so a family carer can take a break — whether that’s a few hours to rest, time to recover from illness, a weekend away, or cover during an emergency.

Respite care can be provided at home (where a carer comes in) or as a short stay in a residential setting. For many people — especially older adults and those living with dementia — staying in familiar surroundings can feel calmer and less disruptive.

If you’re specifically looking for in-home support, you can read more about respite care at home on our main guide.

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What Does Respite Care Mean?

Respite care simply means temporary care that replaces the usual carer for a short time. The person receiving care continues to get support with everyday routines, safety and wellbeing while the main carer rests or manages other responsibilities.

People often use respite care when:

They’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed
They need time for work or medical appointments
They’re recovering from illness
An emergency comes up
Someone has been discharged from hospital
They want regular weekly breaks to stay well long-term

For many families, respite care is not “a luxury” — it’s what makes caring sustainable.

Who Is Respite Care For?

Respite care can help a wide range of people, including:

Older adults who need support with personal care, meals, mobility or companionship
People living with dementia who benefit from familiar routines and one-to-one reassurance
Disabled adults who need practical support to stay independent at home
Family carers who need consistent time to rest and protect their own health

The right respite plan protects wellbeing on both sides — keeping support consistent for the person receiving care, and giving family carers space to recover.

Older adults

Help with routines, meals, mobility and companionship while staying safe and supported.

Dementia support

One-to-one reassurance and familiar routines that can feel calmer and less disruptive.

Family carers

Planned breaks and emergency cover to reduce burnout and keep caring sustainable.

What Are the Benefits of Respite Care?

Respite care can make a meaningful difference for both the carer and the person being cared for.

Gives carers time to recover

Regular breaks help reduce stress and exhaustion, improving patience, decision-making and long-term wellbeing.

Supports safer, more consistent care

When carers are overtired, it’s easy for routines to slip. Respite care helps keep support steady and reduces risk.

Protects routines and emotional wellbeing

If respite care is provided at home, people can often keep the same meals, bedtime routines, familiar environment and comforts.

Provides reassurance during emergencies

Knowing someone trained is supporting your loved one can make it easier to deal with sudden illness, family issues or urgent travel.

Helps reduce loneliness and improve confidence

A good carer can bring companionship, conversation and encouragement to stay engaged with everyday life.

Respite Care Options in the UK

There are a few common ways respite care can be arranged:

Respite care at home

A carer visits for a few hours, stays overnight, or provides live-in support for a short period. This option suits people who find change difficult or want to remain in familiar surroundings.

Residential respite care

A short stay in a care home. This can suit people who need 24/7 supervision in a setting with on-site staff and facilities, though it may feel disruptive for some.

Day services and short breaks

Some people use day centres or community services as regular respite.

Need help deciding?

If you’re deciding between options, our Respite Care at Home guide explains what in-home respite can include and how it works.

Read Respite Care at Home Guide

What Does a Respite Carer Help With?

Respite care is tailored to the person’s needs. Depending on the situation, support may include:

Personal care (washing, dressing, continence support)

Meals, hydration and help maintaining routines

Mobility support and falls prevention

Companionship and emotional reassurance

Support getting to appointments or activities

Medication support (prompts and support as directed, where appropriate)

For complex needs (e.g., PEG feeding, catheter or stoma care), always confirm the carer’s specific training and follow clinical guidance from health professionals.

A professional carer supporting someone at home

How Do You Arrange Respite Care in the UK?

Respite care can be arranged in different ways, depending on your situation:

Arrange privately

You can arrange respite care privately by contacting a care provider directly and paying for care yourself. This option offers flexibility, faster access to support, and full control over the type and schedule of care.

Local authority assessment

Through a local authority needs assessment (and a carer’s assessment for the person providing care).

Direct Payments

Direct Payments allow eligible individuals to receive funding from their local authority to arrange their own respite care. This option provides greater choice and control over who delivers care and how it’s provided.

NHS support (in some cases)

In some cases, the NHS may help fund respite care for people with complex health needs. This support is usually assessed through NHS Continuing Healthcare or provided after hospital discharge.

If you’re unsure where to start, speaking to your local authority adult social care team or a healthcare professional can help clarify options.

Next step

Explore Respite Care at Home

If you’re ready to explore in-home support, our main guide covers types of care (hourly, overnight and live-in), typical costs, and how families match with a suitable carer.

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