Respite care provides essential short-term support for those who normally receive care from a family member or loved one. It gives the main carer time to rest and recharge while ensuring the person receiving care continues to feel safe, comfortable and well looked after.
Across the UK there are several types of respite care available to suit different needs, circumstances and durations. From live-in care and visiting support to day centres and residential stays, respite care can be arranged in a way that works best for each individual and their family.
This guide offers a clear overview of the most common types of respite care, helping you make an informed choice at a time that can often feel overwhelming.
Types of Respite Care
Live-in Respite Care
A professional carer moves into the home to provide full-time support for a set period. This can be anything from a few days to several weeks depending on your needs. Live-in respite care is ideal when a family carer is going away or recovering from illness. It offers consistency and comfort while maintaining familiar surroundings.
Visiting Respite Care
Care visits can be arranged during the day or evening for short periods of time. This option is suited to those needing support for just a few hours, such as help with meals, medication or personal care. Visiting care can also be used alongside family support to offer extra help during busy periods.
Day Centre Respite
Local day centres provide care and social activities during the day in a safe and supervised setting. This allows the person receiving care to enjoy a change of scene and meet others while the main carer has time to rest, attend appointments or manage daily tasks.
Residential Respite Care
Short stays in a care home can be arranged for people who need extra medical support or round the clock supervision. This type of respite care is often planned in advance but can also be used in urgent situations. Many homes offer dedicated respite rooms subject to availability.
Emergency Respite Care
In urgent cases, such as a sudden illness or hospital admission, emergency respite care can be arranged quickly. This ensures there is no gap in support and provides peace of mind during an unexpected crisis. Emergency care can be provided at home or in a residential setting.
Specialist Respite Care
Some providers offer respite care tailored to specific health conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s or stroke recovery. Carers are specially trained to manage symptoms and offer meaningful support. This ensures a safe and reassuring experience for the person receiving care.
Is Respite Care Right for Me?
Caring for someone you love is a deeply personal commitment. It can bring great joy but also moments of exhaustion, worry and strain. Respite care is designed to support both the carer and the person receiving care by offering short-term professional help when it is needed most.
You might consider respite care if:
- You are feeling physically or emotionally tired and need time to rest
- You have work travel or family commitments that make care more difficult
- You are recovering from illness or a medical procedure
- You need time to recharge and protect your own wellbeing
- The person you care for would benefit from a change in routine or environment
Using respite care is not about stepping away from your responsibilities. It is about giving yourself the chance to continue being the best support you can be. With the right help in place both you and your loved one can feel more secure, confident and looked after.
Which Option Is Right for Me?
Choosing the right type of respite care depends on your personal circumstances and the level of support needed. Every family is different which is why we take time to understand what matters most to you.
- You may prefer live-in respite care if you are going away for more than a day and want to know your loved one will have continuous support in the comfort of their own home.
- If you only need a few hours of help each day or week visiting respite care may be more suitable. It is flexible and ideal for short breaks, errands or time to yourself.
- Day centres may appeal if your loved one enjoys social activities and would benefit from a safe and welcoming change of scene during the day.
- A short stay in a residential care setting may be best if your loved one has more complex needs or if care cannot be provided at home for a time.
- For urgent or last minute support emergency respite care ensures there is no disruption to the care your loved one receives.
- If your loved one is living with a condition such as dementia or Parkinson’s and you are seeking someone with specific experience, specialist respite care will provide the reassurance and expertise needed.
Still unsure? Our experienced care team is on hand to talk things through and help you decide what would work best for you and your family.
Respite care at home
As one of the UK’s most prestigious care agencies, we know how important rest and recovery is for physical and mental wellbeing. That is why we can introduce you to a highly-skilled, self-employed carer who will provide excellent short-term live-in respite care for you or your loved one, to allow for a much needed break.
Our experienced carers can either temporarily assist with support in lieu of an existing care giver, or to share the care responsibilities to provide much needed alleviation.
Our short-term care can also be the perfect solution, for not just giving the primary caregiver a well deserved break, but to provide you or your loved one with support they may need after being discharged from hospital.
Talk to our dedicated team of experts today
The standards set by Patricia White 30 years ago still remain today. Call our experienced team today on 01293 224712 to discuss your respite care needs and receive a free no obligation quotation.
Or feel free to send us a message using our online enquiry form and a member of our expert care team will get back to you as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours.
