Caring for a loved one is a huge responsibility, and it's essential to also take time for yourself- that’s where a Carefree break comes in. The one question we get asked the most by our carers when they go to book is ‘what support is there for my cared for person while I’m away?’ That's where respite care comes in. This is a temporary service where someone else steps in to look after the person you care for, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries, reconnect with a partner or friend, or simply relax, knowing your loved one is in good hands.
How can you go about finding Respite Care after you’ve booked your break? This handy guide should answer all your burning questions.
Key takeaways about respite care in the UK
What it is: Respite care provides temporary relief for a full-time carer by having someone else look after the person they care for, allowing the carer to have a break for their own well-being
How to get it: Respite care options will usually be explained by your local council after your Carers Assessment. You can find other alternatives online as well.
Who pays: It can be funded by you local council after a financial assessment, or paid for privately.
Types available: There are several types of respite care that include: in-home care, day centres ,and emergency support.
What is Respite Care and Why is it Essential?
What Does Respite Care Actually Mean in the UK?
When people ask, "what is respite care?" the simplest answer is that it's a vital, short-term break for unpaid carers. This should be explained to you during either a Carer’s Assessment (which focuses on you and how caring impacts your daily life) or a Needs Assessment (this separate assessment focuses on the support required by the person you care for.
Why Taking a Break is Not Selfish
Don’t worry. It’s completely normal to feel guilty about stepping away—after all, you're the one who knows best how to care for your loved one. But the truth is, taking a break is one of the most important things you can do. Far from being selfish, respite care is a crucial strategy for preventing carer burnout.
Stepping away, even for just a few hours, can significantly reduce stress and help you recharge your batteries. This isn’t just about improving your own mental and physical health; it’s about the sustainability of your caring role. By taking a break, you're ensuring you have the emotional and physical energy needed to continue providing the best care possible for the long haul. Even just a 1-2 night break can be enough to get you feeling like yourself again.
Check our six carer stories explaining how a short Carefree break helped to refresh and reenergise them.
What Are the Different Types of Respite Care?
Care in the home: Many charities and carers' organisations offer these services, where a friendly, trained volunteer comes to your home to spend time with the person you care for. This type of care usually only covers a few hours at a time, but some will have longer availabilities.
Residential care: Some care homes offer short respite care breaks. They will need to be booked ahead.
Day care: Day care centres offer a social hub for those who find it difficult to get out and about. They provide a chance to make friends and take part in engaging activities like singing, games, and arts and crafts
Someone you know: And of course, there is having someone you know and trust stepping in to provide care for a short while. They can often be the best option for emergency respite care i.e., if you cannot reach your cared for person because of an accident or illness.
How Do I Get Respite Care? (The Practical Steps)
The Official Route: Your Local Council
So, how do you get respite care? The main gateway to funded respite care is through your local council's adult social services. The crucial first step is to request a Carer's Assessment. This is a free conversation with a social care professional who will listen to how caring affects your life, your health, your work, and your relationships. During that, they will explain what respite care options are available and how you can go about organising it.
Alternative Support: Charities and Local Organisations
While your local council is the main official route, it's not the only option. Many local and national charities are dedicated to supporting carers and can provide alternative forms of assistance. Organisations like Age UK and Carers UK have lists and recommendations for respite care. These charities can be a fantastic resource, whether you're looking for help with funding or simply need guidance on what options are available to you
Who Pays for Respite Care? (Understanding the Costs)
Is Respite Care Free in the UK?
The short answer is no, it's not automatically free. To get help with the cost, you'll need both a Needs Assessment and a Carer's Assessment from your local council. This is the first step to see if you're eligible for support. After that, a financial assessment will determine how much you may need to contribute. If your income and savings are low, you could receive free or heavily subsidised care. You can also explore other funding options, such as self-funding, direct payments from your personal budget, or grants from charities.
How Much Does Respite Care Cost?
The cost of respite care can vary, but on average it runs £700 to £800 a week. For last-minute or emergency private care, it can sometimes reach £1,500 a week. You can apply for assistance to cover the cost from either your local council or a charity.
Finding Respite Care Near You
Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, but finding local respite care is simpler than you might think. A good starting point is the NHS website, which often provides directories of services in your area. You can also use the Care Quality Commission (CQC) directory to find and compare regulated care homes and services. The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England, and their website provides detailed inspection reports and ratings, so you can make an informed choice.
For a quick search, simply use Google with phrases like "respite care homes in [Your Town/City]" or "emergency respite care near me." This can bring up local care providers, care homes, and other support services.
Beyond the official routes, many national and local charities are invaluable resources. Organisations like Carers UK and Age UK have searchable directories or dedicated sections on their websites with lists of local services, grants, and support groups. They can connect you with everything from sitting services to day centres and short-stay care homes, ensuring you find the right kind of break for your needs.
A Different Kind of Break: Why Carers Need More Than Just 'Respite'
A Different Kind of Break: Why Carers Need More Than Just 'Respite'
While formal respite care is great for a practical need—like finding someone to step in for you—many carers find that a true break means getting away completely to reconnect with themselves. This is where a carer's break comes in.
At Carefree, we believe a break should be more than a change of scenery. It should be a chance to recharge your batteries and rediscover yourself. We transform vacant hotel rooms into vital, affordable 1-2 night breaks for carers (breakfast included!). Our mission isn't to replace the care you give; it’s to give you the space to feel like a person again, not just a carer.
Our breaks have a proven impact, with 95% of carers reporting they felt their well-being improved and 86% saying they felt better able to cope.
Karina, an unpaid carer who stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, Gloucester
We make these breaks both accessible and affordable. With a simple one-time registration and a small admin fee, carers can access breaks across the UK that would otherwise be out of reach.
Ready to feel like you again? See how a Carefree break can help you recharge.
FAQs about Respite Care and Carers' Breaks
1. How much does respite care cost for a week in the UK?
The cost of respite care varies significantly depending on the type of care and location. According to the NHS and other care guides, a week of respite care can cost, on average, between £700 and £800. However, this can rise to as much as £1,500 per week for more intensive services, such as live-in care or emergency respite in a care home. Day centres are often a more affordable option, costing around £20-£80 per day.
2. What is the difference between respite care and a carer's break?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but both refer to the same thing: a temporary break from your caring responsibilities. A "carer's break" is a broader term for any period of time you take for yourself, while "respite care" specifically refers to the temporary care arranged for the person you support, allowing you to have that break. The break is for your benefit, but the care is for the person you look after.
3. How do I apply for emergency respite care?
For emergency respite, you should contact your local council's adult social services or the relevant health authority as soon as possible. They will conduct a quick assessment to determine the immediate needs of the person you care for and your situation. While emergency care can be more expensive, it's a vital service for unexpected situations like a sudden illness or family emergency.
4. What should I do to prepare for respite care?
To ensure a smooth transition, it's best to prepare a care plan in advance. This should include all the necessary information for the temporary carer, such as:
Medical details, including any conditions, medications, and dosages.
Dietary needs and preferences.
Daily routines, hobbies, and social activities.
Contact information for family, friends, and doctors.
If the person is staying in a care home, it can also be helpful to bring familiar items like photos, a favourite blanket, or personal belongings to help them feel more comfortable.
5. Do you have to pay for respite care?
Not necessarily, but it's rarely free. The cost is determined by a financial assessment (or "means test") of the person being cared for, not the carer. If their income and savings are below the local council's threshold, the council may fully or partially fund the care. However, if their assets are above this level, they will likely be expected to pay for the care privately. Other options include applying for grants from charities or using a personal budget from the council.
6. Can I get respite care for someone with dementia?
Yes, you can absolutely get respite care for someone with dementia. Many care homes and services specialise in dementia care and are equipped to support individuals with specific needs, from memory loss to behavioural changes. The same application and assessment process through the local council applies, and many charities like the Alzheimer's Society can provide specific guidance and resources to help you find the right support.
