What is respite care and how does it work?

Respite care provides temporary relief for family carers — a short stay in a care home while the main carer takes a break, recovers from illness, or manages an emergency. It can also be used as a trial stay to help a loved one experience care home life before committing.

Who is respite care for?

• Family carers who need a short break to rest, travel or recover
• People being discharged from hospital who need support before returning home
• Individuals who want to try a care home before committing to a permanent move
• People whose primary carer is unwell or unavailable temporarily

How long does respite care last?

There is no fixed duration. Stays can range from a few days to several weeks — most commonly 1–4 weeks. Some care homes have dedicated respite beds; others offer regular beds on a short-term basis depending on availability.

How much does respite care cost?

Respite care is typically priced at the same weekly rate as permanent care — around £900–£1,200/week for residential care, and £1,000–£1,400/week for nursing care. Some homes charge a small premium for shorter stays due to the additional administrative cost.

Can the council fund respite care?

Yes — if the carer is assessed as needing a break, the council may provide funding under a Carer's Assessment. This is separate from the person being cared for and can result in a contribution towards respite costs. The person receiving care will also have a Care Needs Assessment to determine whether they qualify for any council funding.

Additionally, carers are entitled to up to four weeks of council-funded respite per year in many local authorities — worth asking about specifically.

Is respite care in a care home the only option?

• Home-based respite: A carer comes to the home so the main carer can take a break
• Day centres: The person attends a day centre several days a week
• Sitting services: A volunteer or paid carer comes to sit with the person
• Care home respite: The person stays in a care home for a defined period

Can a respite stay lead to a permanent place?

Yes — many families use a respite stay as a low-pressure way to assess a care home before deciding on a permanent move. It allows the person to experience the staff, food, activities and environment. However, a respite bed does not guarantee a permanent place becomes available at the same home.