Guide | Home Instead

Self Care For Carers: Respite Care At Home

Are you currently caring for an older family member? Whether this is on an occasional, part-time or full-time basis, it is important for you to be aware of respite care and its many benefits, as this can be a vital resource for carers when they need it most.

Here, we are breaking down what respite care is, who can benefit from it, what duties are included in respite care, what the benefits are for carers and for the care recipient, the different types of respite care for older adults, what respite carers do and don’t do, and more.

What is respite care?

Respite care is sometimes referred to as replacement care, or carer’s breaks. It is designed to offer temporary relief to those caring for an older person, or a disabled or sick individual, in a short-term capacity. This gives carers a support system should they need or want to take a break from their care duties, such as to attend to personal needs, manage other life responsibilities, or to go on holiday or attend a special event.

Your loved one may need help with things like personal care, setting up daily activities, managing medication, or attending social events, and whether or not you are the only one helping them with these things, you could eventually find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Caregiver stress can lead to burnout, but respite care can help prevent this by promoting overall wellbeing for both the caregiver and the care recipient. As a carer you may not be able to leave your family member easily, so ensuring your loved one receives proper care is of the utmost importance.

When creating the Care Plan, respite care should be seriously considered early to ensure you are not blindsided by its need later on. According to the Social Care Institute for Excellence, 36% of carers were not aware of what services were available to them, and for those caring for less than a year, 47% did not know what services were available.

For this reason, understanding that respite care can benefit both the caregiver and the care receiver is so important. It offers both parties a chance to socialise outside of the care relationship, and can anticipate and interrupt carer burnout which is a common experience for many carers.

Who is respite care for?

Respite care serves individuals of all ages, from children with care needs to older adults requiring extra support to maintain their independence at home. As mentioned above, respite care benefits two parties. Firstly, it can help a person who requires temporary care due to:

A disability
A chronic illness
An age-related condition
End-of-life or palliative care
Dementia, Alzheimer’s or another neurological impairment

Secondly, it is arguably most beneficial for carers.Many people who require care become dependent on their partners, their children, or other relatives, and when these family members spend so much time caring for their loved one it can help to give them back some free time so they can maintain their mental and physical health.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 71% of carers have poor physical or mental health, and research suggests 55% of carers report suffering from depression due to their caring role. It is also suggested that caregivers who experience strain have a 63% higher mortality risk than others. For this reason, it is crucial to utilise this extremely valuable resource if you feel your life is being negatively impacted by caring duties. Respite care can help to maintain your health, wellbeing and social life while ensuring your loved one continues to receive the necessary care and attention when you are not around.

What does respite care include?

Respite care mirrors other types of domiciliary care that can be provided at home, including personal hygiene or medical care. It brings together a range of services tailored to cover the diverse needs of each individual, and enables continuity of care while the person’s regular caregiver takes a break. Respite care might include things like:

Personal care, such as getting washed and dressing each day
Offering support to help the individual maintain daily activities they enjoy
Managing medication and other health needs
Home management and light housework
Offering companionship to maintain social interaction
Mobility support so the person can safely move around their home
Transport to social activities and other appointments
Round-the-clock care for those requiring support at all times
Providing mentally stimulating activities (particularly helpful for those with dementia)

What are the benefits of respite care?

There are many benefits of respite care, both for the person receiving it and for the regular carers involved. Many caregivers struggle with feelings of guilt when leaving their loved one, or feel uncomfortable leaving a stranger to care for them, but there is a lot of evidence to suggest respite care offers benefits to everyone from caregivers to care receivers.

For the person receiving care, the benefits include…

Continuity of care should their regular carer need time off
Continued independence while living at home
Opportunities to socialise with new people
Potentially new daily activities or experiences (if agreed) that provide additional mental stimulation
Opportunities to try out alternative care services or types of care to see if something else could be a better fit
A chance to spend quality time with loved ones without them needing to provide care
A feeling of safety and reassurance by always having someone around even if their loved one is not
A chance for the care receiver to raise anything they are not comfortable telling their family member in their typical care routine
Their usual carer or family member will be able to continue providing the best care through regular breaks

The benefits for the person caring for their loved one include…

The ability to attend social events without worrying or having to leave early
The opportunity to go on family holidays safe in the knowledge that their loved one is taken care of at home
A chance to attend to personal matters such as work commitments – research shows 75% of carers in employment worry about juggling work and care duties
A chance to simply take a break from carer duties for any reason without compromising on the quality of their loved one’s care
Renewed energy and wellbeing through the chance to engage in self-care activities and hobbies
Less stress and reduced chance of reaching burnout stage
A chance to spend time with their loved one in a non-care capacity, to maintain your familial relationship
A chance to spend time away from their loved one to give both parties space if they feel they need it
Reduced loneliness and isolation which many carers often experience
A chance to focus on an upcoming big life change, such as a house move or a new baby, without worrying about their loved one’s care

What does a respite carer do?

A respite carer will be a trained professional the same as other carers, but they will work on a temporary basis and will be skilled in quickly picking up necessary arrangements and providing care to someone new.

A respite carer may help with daily activities like getting the person washed and dressed, making food for them, providing activities or socialisation opportunities, administering medications (if appropriate), and offering companionship while the person’s usual carer is away. They may also understand the need to provide compassionate emotional support while the regular carer is away, and reassure them that everything is in hand.

Respite care will look different for everyone depending on the Care Plan, the needs of the individual, and the plans of the carer. For example, you may hire a respite carer to provide overnight care several nights a week so you can ensure you get a proper, full night’s sleep those evenings. Or, you might arrange for someone to pop in to make your loved one’s dinner each night so you can get home to put young children to bed. Or you could have a respite carer who covers all caring duties for one week a few times a year so you can go on holiday or take time off to recharge your batteries.

Whatever support you need, you can create the best respite care arrangement to suit you.

What does a respite carer not do?

A respite carer can provide most or all of the same services as the person’s regular carer will, although there may be certain limitations based on their training. For example, they may be unable to perform certain medical procedures or administer some medication. Discussing your loved one’s needs at length with the agency in charge of finding your respite carer is important to ensure you receive a carer with the qualifications and training to provide exactly what your loved one needs.

Remember, respite carers will only provide care on a short-term basis. If the care needs extend and become a long-term arrangement, this should be discussed with the carer or the agency you hired them through to establish what the best ongoing arrangement will be.

According to a 2018 survey by Carers UK, 33% of carers said their need for regular breaks was not considered in their last assessment, and highlighted that the effort and bureaucracy involved in seeking support can be off-putting for those already stretched thin. At-home respite care can be bespoke to suit the needs of each individual, so if you need to arrange this you can discuss your requirements during your Care Needs Assessment, or reach out to a good local care agency like ours to remove the effort and complication from arranging respite care.

The Benefits Of In-Home Respite Care

Respite care can be a lifeline for those caring for a loved one as it offers the opportunity to hand over the care of an older adult to a professional or team of professionals who can help with their medical and care needs. This could be a temporary stay in a care home or nursing home, a sitting service for casual, ad-hoc care needs, or an adult day care centre to look after a loved one on an occasional basis.

However, there are a large number of benefits that show in-home respite care to be the most helpful and sought-after form of respite care. Here, we are taking a look at the benefits of at-home respite care for older people and for carers as opposed to other options.

What types of respite care are available?

There are a few different types of respite care that can be organised, and each has its benefits depending on the needs of the person, the medical conditions the person lives with, the regular carer’s plans, and more. These include:

Respite in a care home or nursing home – In some cases, a temporary stay in a care home or nursing home can be arranged in order to provide respite to the person’s regular carers. In this case, all facilities and offerings of the care home are extended to the person during their stay, including companionship and medical care.
Respite from a sitting service – Sometimes charities like Age UK will offer sitting services, which is when a trained volunteer will sit with the person for a short period of time (such as a few hours) to allow the regular caregiver to take a break, eat a meal, run errands, or address their own needs.
Respite in a day care centre – Adult day care centres are often run by local councils or charities, and they offer a chance for older adults to attend activities and socialise with others in their community, while having their care needs overseen by a team of staff there.
Respite in the person’s own home – Home care can be arranged through your local council or independently, and a respite carer will take over care duties within the home on a temporary basis. If emergency or last-minute respite care is arranged, the person’s own home is usually the best place for this to happen.

Why is respite care better at home for older adults?

There are benefits to all types of respite care. For example, a day care centre could be a welcome break for carers who need one day a week to tend to personal matters, or a temporary care home stay could be beneficial if a regular carer is going on holiday for a set period of time. However, respite care carried out in a person’s own home is particularly helpful for older adults, and the World Health Organization recommends older adults be cared for in their own homes for as long as possible to maintain a strong sense of wellbeing.

What are the benefits of at-home respite care over other types, specifically for carers?

There is a lot of evidence to suggest respite care can benefit everyone involved in the care process, and caregivers will find that at-home respite care offers them the opportunity to:

Manage personal responsibilities

Handling everyday responsibilities can be tricky when also caring for a loved one, so respite care offers carers the chance to manage their own responsibilities around their care duties to maintain a balance in their home life. Research shows 75% of carers in employment worry about juggling work and care duties, so respite care can help you feel confident that all areas of your life are being well managed.

Improve health and wellbeing

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 71% of carers have poor physical or mental health, and research suggests 55% of carers report suffering from depression. Regular time off through respite care can help carers focus on their own wellbeing without compromising on the quality of their loved one’s care. This can bring renewed energy, fewer feelings of loneliness, and less emotional exhaustion.

Reduce worries about a loved one’s care

Leaving your loved one can feel stressful and lead to feelings of guilt and worry about how they are feeling and how their health is. Building a trusted relationship with a respite carer means you know there is someone who understands the complexities of your loved one’s medical and mental health needs, and can step in to take over. This may not be the case when taking them to an adult day care centre or sitting service.

Avoid carer burnout

Caregiver burnout is an experience that causes carers to go into a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion as a result of their caring duties. Respite care can help to avoid this burnout by offering regular breaks to reduce stress and overwhelm, and intercept burnout before it takes hold and causes problems. Ensuring your loved one receives respite care at home also means you don’t feel the need to visit them in a care home which could interrupt your time off and cause further stress.

Attend events or go on holiday

Leaving a loved one who needs care can be a daunting prospect, but if you have an important event to attend or you feel you need to go on a family holiday to clear your head and reset, then respite care can be helpful to reassure you that your loved one will be taken care of even when you are not around. This way, you can focus on your personal life, attend social events without having to leave early, and book holidays without worrying that something bad could happen while you are gone.

Better manage your relationship

Whether you are caring for a parent, a partner, or another relative, your relationship with that person can begin to change as you spend more time caring for them. Respite care offers both a chance to spend time away from your loved one to give you both space if you feel you need it, as well as a chance to spend time with your loved one in a non-care capacity which can help to maintain your familial relationship.

Cover a period of increased demand

You may be able to manage your carer duties around life and work responsibilities, but every so often things will come up that cause issues and interrupt your routine. During big life changes such as a house move or having a baby, or during periods of increased demand such as when a busy work project is in progress, respite care can take over when you need it so you don’t need to worry about your loved one’s care.

What are the benefits of at-home respite care over other types, specifically for older people?

While respite care is arguably best for carers, it can also benefit older adults who require care. At-home respite care offers them the opportunity to:

Stay in familiar surroundings

Staying in their own home can help to foster a sense of comfort, familiarity, and security for older adults, and this can be particularly helpful for those living with dementia or another cognitive impairment. One study found those living with dementia at home experienced higher activity levels, quality of life, and felt more socially connected than those living in a care home.

Maintain their independence

Respite care in their own home helps older people to maintain the independence and routines that could be interrupted by a temporary stay in a care home. This can promote a sense of autonomy and dignity, and allow them to stick to their preferred schedules for meals, activities, rest, and more. Research suggests interventions to maintain independent living have the potential to improve health perception and self-efficacy in older adults.

Socialise with new people

Respite carers can offer companionship, and the opportunity to speak to someone new. This can give them the chance to bring up anything they don’t feel comfortable discussing with family members, and could also lead to trying new activities and having new experiences if it suits their routine. A respite carer can provide additional mental stimulation, widen their social support network, and offer companionship while their regular caregiver is away to keep feelings of loneliness at bay.

Achieve continuity of care

It is important that while a regular caregiver is away for any length of time, an older person’s care does not diminish in frequency or quality. All medications still need to be administered, and all care needs should still be attended to. Respite care can be tailored to meet each individual’s needs and preferences, to ensure the person receives the support and assistance they require while their usual carer is away.

Increase wellbeing and improve quality of life

Respite care at home means there is no need to move elsewhere to receive care. By continuing to be surrounded by their own belongings, maintaining usual routines, and removing the stress and upheaval of having to go to a new location such as a care home, respite care can protect an older person’s positive wellbeing. Studies show that using home and community care increased the probability of maintaining and improving health by 2.9%, and increased the probability of actively participating in life by 4.1%, which means staying at home could improve their quality of life.

Peace of mind

Knowing emergency respite care is available at home if needed can offer safety and security to older individuals who may be nervous when thinking about what might happen if their regular carer is off sick or is suddenly unable to look after them. At-home respite care can offer further peace of mind as it can avoid the financial stress of paying for a temporary stay in a care home or nursing home.

Increased quality of care

If a regular carer reaches the stage of burnout due to lack of breaks, they could begin to unintentionally give care that is not up to the required standard, or could miss key signs and symptoms in the person’s health. Regular breaks and holidays can help carers to reset and recharge, which means when they return to work they can provide the very best care for their loved one.

How Long Can Respite Care Last?

Respite care is designed to give regular caregivers a break from their usual duties, to enable them to go on holiday, or to take leave from their care role in order to address any personal matters. The length of time respite care lasts will differ from case to case, but you may be wondering how long you might receive this type of care based on your situation.

Here, we are breaking down what length of respite care is necessary for different scenarios, how emergency respite care works, the limitations of respite care, and whether or not respite care will affect your Carer’s Allowance.

How long does self-funded at-home respite care last for?

Privately funded respite care can technically last as long as you want it to, but the length of time someone can expect to have respite care for often depends on why it is being used. For example, if someone requires respite care to:

Take a regular block of time off each week or month – This short-term form of respite care is available to those who need it, and may help by taking over during a regular appointment held by the carer, such as for one day per week. This can keep carer burnout at bay by providing frequent breaks, and proactively address stress issues so they do not lead to further problems.
Take a week off to go on a planned family holiday – This type of respite care can allow regular carers to take a week off safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being taken care of back home.
Take several weeks off – If it is needed, several weeks of respite care can be arranged. This may be used to address serious cases of carer burnout, to cover a period of increased physical or mental load (such as a house move or a new baby), to attend a training course, or something else.
Take a day off for a special event or other commitment – If a regular carer has a one-off commitment, such as a family wedding, graduation, or a legal appointment, respite care can be arranged if this is likely to interrupt their usual caregiving duties.
Take an hour or two to manage personal matters or run errands – If only a few hours of respite are needed, sitting services can usually help with this, as well as at-home respite carers who can pop in for a few hours each day or week. This type of respite care can be helpful if someone has a particular medical condition such as dementia where they may feel uncomfortable or unsafe being alone for a long time.
Cover the interim period after being discharged from hospital – While decisions are being made about the person’s long-term care plan, a respite carer might step in to provide convalescent care during the recovery from their hospital stay.
Cover care in the case of an emergency – You can read more on emergency respite care below.

How long does at-home respite care last if funded by a local council or charity?

At-home respite care can be a flexible arrangement, but it does help to understand how it works, how long it can be arranged for, and the limitations if it is being arranged by your local council or a charity. Free respite care is not a one-size-fits-all arrangement, so it will not be provided for a set number of days or weeks. Instead, it is usually offered according to the needs of the individual.

All of the scenarios mentioned above are valid reasons to request respite care, and you should never feel that you cannot reach out for help if you are stressed, burnt out, have other important commitments or need a holiday.

Your local authority can arrange respite care if you qualify for this through your Carer’s Assessment. This is done to find out how things are going at the moment, if you need any additional training or support, or if there is anything else you need to make your role easier and more manageable.

Whether respite care is likely to be on a short-term basis or become an extended placement affects how the council will assess your entitlement to financial support. This is because respite care that could become a long-term arrangement may need to be reassessed to ensure the respite carers can continue to provide the appropriate care for the individual’s situation, and that there is genuine need for the regular carers to take a longer break.

Charities and other organisations will have their own limit on how many days or weeks respite care can be arranged for based on their available staff and budget, but if you have a genuine need for respite care you do not need to worry about this – these organisations will do all they can to ensure respite care is put in place for as long as is required.

Ultimately, the duration of respite care is bespoke to fit the circumstances and preferences of the individuals involved, so when an agency, council or charity puts respite care in place they must ensure that respite carers have the correct skillset to cover the required care needs.

How long does emergency respite care last for?

Emergency respite care is slightly different in that it is designed to be more flexible for last-minute scenarios and unknown circumstances. You might require emergency respite care if:

You suddenly fall ill or are involved in an accident that makes your caring duties difficult or impossible
Someone else in your family suddenly falls ill or is involved in an accident, and you must attend to their needs instead
Someone close to you passes away and you must take bereavement leave
You must urgently cover unexpected childcare needs, or be at the birth of a new baby
Urgent personal matters arise, such as emergency home repairs, an ill pet, a work-related emergency, or something else that makes caring impossible without detrimental effects in your personal or work life
Carer burnout unexpectedly becomes too much and you require a last-minute break from caring to avoid ill health or address mental health concerns, to ensure the person in your care continues to receive everything they need

In many cases, emergency respite care can be covered by an alternate family member who understands the caring needs of the individual. It is best to think about this in advance, and speak to a trusted friend or family member about what might be needed in the case of some of the scenarios above – usually someone who lives nearby is best, and who is likely to be able to help at a moment’s notice.

If you are taking care of things like managing medication for a loved one, or providing specific medical care, you should:

Keep an updated Care Plan so the person can step in at any time
Regularly advise your appointed emergency respite carer on the most up-to-date details to ensure they can always take over if needed
Provide instructions on how to access the home (for example, by installing a key safe)
Leave notes around the home to make it easier for an emergency respite carer to find everything they need, and provide information in a simple, straightforward way

If they cannot take over in an urgent situation, emergency respite care is usually still available through your local council, or through an agency if you are prepared to self-fund this care. It is best to research appropriate phone numbers and keep them on hand in the case of a last-minute emergency. This could be numbers for the relevant departments in your local council, charities that work in your area, or a home care agency like Home Instead who can step in quickly.

What might respite care look like?

Respite care will look different depending on the care and medical needs of the person receiving care, as well as the needs of the regular caregiver. As mentioned, if you need a break for a week or two to go on a planned holiday with family to recharge your batteries, this will require a different arrangement than someone who needs one afternoon a week to go and run errands while someone stays with their loved one.

An example fromthe charityScope UKsuggests that someone might receive 2 hours of respite care a week to allow the carer to shop or attend a course, or they might get 12 hours of support every 2 months so the individual requiring care can enjoy some activities without you and meet new people as a result. Another charity – The Respite Association – suggests that carer breaks could be anything from enabling you to attend an evening class, to going on a weekend break or a longer holiday.

Is there a limit to how long respite care can last?

The duration of respite care varies based on each person’s individual circumstances, needs, and available resources, so there are no strict limits on how long respite care can last for. In most cases, it will last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.

For those with genuine need for respite care, an ongoing arrangement will not be a problem, and you should expect to be reassessed once several weeks have passed. If it is decided that more ongoing support is required, this may change the type of care you receive and the funding available to you, but your local council will always do their best to ensure you have the appropriate set-up for the person’s care needs.

If you are caring for someone and believe you need respite care to step in to give you a break for any reason, do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help.

Does the use of respite care affect my Carer’s Allowance?

A Carer’s Allowance is a payment of £76.75 a week given to anyone who cares for someone at least 35 hours a week, and they get certain benefits. If you receive Carer’s Allowance, keep in mind there may be some limits to how much respite care you are entitled to while being paid this amount, and you should check whether or not your payments will be impacted by requesting respite care for a longer period of time, such as several weeks.

Carer’s Burnout: Knowing You Need Respite

The job of a carer can be challenging at times, but if you are providing care to a loved one alongside another job, family commitments or other life responsibilities, you may start to find everyday caring duties become demanding, stressful and emotionally draining. As much as you care about your relative, you likely did not choose to become their carer.

Here, we are helping to identify whether you are currently in the role of a carer without realising it, the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout, what causes this, the long-term effects and challenges, how to cope with the stresses of caring, and how to know when it is time to seek respite care.

How do you know if you are a carer?

The definition of a caregiver is someone who provides physical care, mental health care, or additional help to a person who is unable to do the same for themselves, either due to an illness, injury, medical condition or their declining health and mobility as they get older. People with conditions such as dementia, cancer, chronic illnesses, brain injuries or other debilitating illnesses may require help from a caregiver or a team of caregivers.

A caregiver may be a paid professional, or a family member or friend of the person, and they may help with some or all of the following activities:

Personal care such as using the bathroom, washing or getting dressed
Preparing and cooking meals
Doing housework or home maintenance
Managing medication schedules
Taking the person to medical appointments
Monitoring the person’s health and wellbeing
Managing visits from healthcare providers or specialist carers

Whether or not you have a background as a professional carer, if you are spending a significant amount of time each week helping a loved one with some of these activities, you should consider yourself a caregiver.

What is carer fatigue, or carer burnout?

You may have come across the term ‘burnout’ before, as it is typically used to describe symptoms of severe stress that occur in a number of job roles. Since the term was first used in the 1970s, it has been applied mainly to caring professions such as doctors or nurses, however it is more widely used now to describe feelings of severe stress across all areas of life. This could be things like raising children, studying for an exam, or working on an important work project.

The symptoms of burnout tend to include issues like getting sick more regularly, feeling fatigued most of the time, experiencing sleep problems, and/or feeling down or depressed. Research has found 79% of people say they frequently feel work-related stress, making it the most common source of stress. This is followed by financial stress and family stress. For this reason, the caring profession can be considered one of the most stressful roles due to its place at the intersection of these three things:

Heavy workload – which can include managing a lot of administration as well as physical workload
Financial worry – due to a person’s regular job being affected
Family worries – when relationships with the care receiver potentially change, and the wider family are affected by the carer’s availability and more

Caregiver burnout is a recognised state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion, and it is commonly experienced by both professional carers and family caregivers, as well as those caring part-time and full-time. Looking after someone is not the same as a 9-5 job which can be forgotten about as soon as you leave the office. Instead, it requires a lot of organisation, careful planning, and physical labour. It can also cause you to worry about how a loved one is doing when you are not with them, which can make it difficult to switch off and recharge.

If you devote much of your time and energy to helping another person, you could be depleting your mental, physical, emotional and financial reserves, which can impact your own health and wellbeing, your work, your relationships, and your ability to continue providing high quality care. This is caregiver burnout, and it should be taken seriously and proactively addressed.

What are the signs and symptoms of carer burnout?

The signs and symptoms of carer burnout manifest in a similar way to those found in other types of burnout. These might include:

Physical exhaustion, or aches and pains
Feeling emotionally drained
Withdrawing from friends and family, and focusing all of your time on caring – research suggests 50% of carers say they feel lonely, so isolation can be a key problem in this area
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Feelings of hopelessness, feeling stuck, or like a dark cloud is hanging over you – research suggests 49% of carers feel depressed, so this is important to address
Changes in your appetite and/or weight
Changes in your sleep, such as insomnia or falling asleep at inopportune times
Struggling to focus
Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach troubles, tense muscles, and more
Becoming sick more frequently
Becoming irritable or frustrated by the person you are caring for, or having a short temper
Turning to unhealthy coping habits like smoking, alcohol, junk food and others
Becoming more anxious about whether or not you are providing the appropriate care – research suggests over three quarters of carers feel stressed or anxious
Experiencing compassion fatigue, or feeling like you lack empathy for the person you are caring for – this does not make you a bad person, it is a common symptom of carer burnout and something you can seek support for to ensure your loved one continues to receive the best care

What can lead to carer burnout?

Caregiver burnout is common, and it happens when a low level of stress is not addressed early enough. Eventually it can progress to a stage where the carer experiences some of the aforementioned symptoms and struggles to cope.

Before the carer reaches burnout stage, the lead up to this might include things like:

A gradual increase in the time spent caring for a loved one
Using more of your energy and resources to care for the person
Neglecting your own health or wellbeing activities in favour of providing care
Keeping feelings to yourself and letting them grow without airing your concerns
Neglecting your personal responsibilities, such as your job – 57% of people who stopped working or reduced their hours at work to care for someone said they did this due to the stress of juggling both
Letting caregiving take over from your regular job, which can affect your finances
Role confusion when caring for a person who is also a family member or friend, when you may feel your relationship has changed in a negative way
Feeling like your efforts are not appreciated by the person, or not helping them like you hoped they would
Feeling a lack of control when juggling too many responsibilities
Not recognising when it is time to outsource elements of care, ask for help from other family members, or seek respite care

What are the potential long-term effects and challenges of caregiver burnout?

The above effects of caregiver burnout can have an immediate negative impact on your health and wellbeing, but the long-term effects of continuing to muddle through without help can lead to serious consequences. Prioritising your own wellbeing while caring is incredibly important, as research suggests caregivers who are experiencing strain have a 63% higher mortality risk than others.

Caregiver burnout has also been linked to mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. In fact, 27% of unpaid carers are reported to have ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ mental health, and for those caring for over 50 hours per week, or for over 10 years, this rises to 31%. It is clear that ignoring early signs of caregiver burnout, delaying preventive health check-ups, or even delaying necessary treatment due to caregiving responsibilities, can have a detrimental long-term effect on your health, mental health and overall wellbeing.

What is respite care?

Respite care is a type of temporary care which takes over caring duties when a regular carer needs to take a break. There are many reasons a respite carer may be brought in, such as to cover a holiday period or to look after the person while their regular carer attends a special event, but in many cases it is used to help regular carers take a much-needed break.

Respite care can be a vital tool that caregivers can keep in mind for when they need it most. This could be someone to take over caring duties within the person’s home for one day a week to give you a regular break, or it could be someone to take over for a week or two while you reset and recharge your batteries.

It is normal to struggle with feelings of guilt about leaving a loved one, or to feel uncomfortable leaving their care in the hands of a stranger. However, there is evidence to suggest respite care benefits everyone involved, from caregivers to care receivers.

How to cope with carer burnout, and minimise your chances of developing it

You could have a higher risk of caregiver burnout if you feel you are the only person who can provide care successfully to your loved one, or you do not have a support system in place to help when you need it. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to minimise your chances of developing carer burnout, and cope with stress when it arises.

You will be able to determine what areas of the caregiving process give you the most stress, as everyone will find certain elements more challenging than others. However, there are several tried-and-tested ways to help cope with caregiver burnout, including:

Managing your time to make room for your own needs and activities
Saying no and setting boundaries to help limit how much of your energy goes into caring – this might mean having some difficult conversations with other family members to share the responsibilities equally
Making time for your physical health by prioritising exercise and healthy eating, and not neglecting this
Making time for your wellbeing and relaxation, such as reading, meditating or walks in nature
Implementing systems to organise everything you are responsible for, such as medication schedules, meal times, health appointments and more
Talking to someone you trust about the emotions involved in caring for a loved one
Maintaining hobbies you enjoy can also be stress-relieving, such as running, language learning, or crafting
Maintaining personal relationships and attending social events to break up the monotony of your duties
Prioritising sleep in order to feel well-rested and ready to provide care
Seeking professional help such as therapy or support groups who can listen and provide resources and advice based on experience
Being open to respite care and taking breaks in order to continue providing the best care

Ultimately, carer burnout should be considered early so it can be avoided, but if you are already feeling burnt out, think about the underlying reasons for why this might be. Has your workload increased? Do you feel like you are neglecting your own family or responsibilities? Do you feel physically drained? Whatever the reason, address the root cause and make strategic changes rather than trying the above advice while still continuing on as normal.

How to know when you need the help of a respite carer

It can be hard to recognise when you have reached the stage of burnout, or whether or not you need to bring in respite care to help relieve you of some of your duties. You may decide it is time to look for respite care if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. Or you might be struggling to get everything done around your own life responsibilities, or have a particularly big life change coming up like a new job or a new baby on the way. You may be very aware of your burnout and know you need the help of a respite carer, or you might find it difficult to judge when it is time to implement this.

Special Considerations For Dementia Respite Care

Caring for someone with dementia is undoubtedly challenging, especially if you are a family member providing care alongside other life responsibilities. As a caregiver, you may be feeling the effects of carer burnout and considering what respite care options are available to you and your loved one. While it can feel overwhelming to begin the process of looking into dementia-specific respite care, there are many benefits to this arrangement for both of you.

Here, we are examining how dementia respite care works, how it differs from other types of respite care, any additional aspects of care you should consider when planning respite care for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients, and whether or not respite is free for dementia carers.

What is dementia respite care?

Dementia respite care is a type of temporary care given to someone with dementia, in order to relieve their regular caregiver of duties for a period of time. While respite care is usually easy to arrange for family caregivers, a certain type of specialised support is often needed in the case of people living with dementia. This is because their care typically involves medication and an understanding of their cognitive abilities and mental health in order to avoid disrupting their regular routine.

It is normal for caregivers to feel reluctant to take a break from their usual duties because their loved one will become anxious, upset or even distraught at their absence and the presence of a stranger. However, respite care is equally as important for carers of those with dementia as it is for any other type of carer.

Just like other carers, those looking after a person with dementia will require time off to do things like maintain their home life, run errands, go on holiday, meet friends, and more. Respite care can benefit the person with dementia (more on this below), but moreover it benefits the caregiver by giving them a break if they are struggling to cope with care needs as their loved one’s condition advances – this helps boost their physical and mental health.

Caregiver burnout is not just an inconvenience, it is a recognised state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion commonly experienced by both professional carers and family caregivers, so it is important to recognise when it is time to seek dementia respite care for your loved one and for yourself.

How is it different from regular respite care?

Typical respite care can often be easily arranged as the person receiving care can understand the need for respite, voice any concerns they have so you can alleviate them, and can enjoy the change of pace or alternative activities offered to them by a respite carer. On the other hand, for those with dementia respite care can be more difficult to arrange if the person requiring care does not understand why their regular carer needs a break, becomes anxious and upset at the thought of change, or feels scared of the new face in their home during the respite period.

For these reasons, specialised dementia care can help to ensure the appropriately trained carers are present, and the transition to a new caregiver is as seamless and compassionate as possible for them. Dementia respite care professionals have an understanding of the different stages of dementia, meaning they can be more vigilant if the person tends to wander off, experiences sundowning, or requires consistency with specific routines.

Dementia respite care providers undergo specialised training in understanding and managing the unique challenges associated with dementia. They are trained to handle behaviours such as agitation, wandering and confusion, which are common among people with dementia. They can also provide structured activities tailored to the cognitive abilities and interests of the individual.

Ultimately, dementia respite carers aim to enhance the wellbeing of both the person with dementia and their caregiver by covering the gap in care, while also alleviating any change and confusion for the older person as much as possible.

What type of respite care is needed for someone with dementia?

As above, dementia care is more specialised than regular respite care, and there are several types available. These include:

At-home respite care – Home care can be organised by your local council or paid for independently, and this means a respite carer with dementia training will take over caring duties within the person’s own home for a set period of time, such as one week so you can go on holiday, or one day a week as an ongoing day off for the regular carer.
Temporary care home stays – A temporary stay in a care home or nursing home can be arranged for those with dementia, and although this can sometimes be difficult if the person relies on their own environment and belongings, it means the regular caregiver can take a break safe in the knowledge that their loved one is in a facility where they will be properly looked after.
Sitting services – Charities such as Age UK offer sitting services, which means a trained volunteer can sit with the person for several hours to provide necessary care and companionship, giving regular caregivers a break. For people with dementia who need to remain in their own home, this can be a helpful type of short-term respite.
Day care centres – These are often run by local councils or charities, providing opportunities for older adults to socialise with others and take part in activities during the day while their regular carers take a break. Day care centres can be helpful as a regular break for those caring for someone with dementia.
Emergency dementia respite care – Sometimes carers will have emergency situations come up or things they cannot get out of. Planning ahead by considering dementia respite care in your Care Plan can be useful if you ever need someone to take over quickly and look after your loved one.

Although any of the above options can be considered for your loved one (based on your knowledge of how they would respond to each), due to the confusion and change that moving to a new place can cause for some people with dementia, many families decide to arrange respite care at home for their loved one to alleviate some of the stress involved.

What else should I think about when organising dementia respite care?

There are some other things to consider when arranging dementia respite care:

Look for person-centred care that respects the needs and wishes of your loved one, so they still feel listened to while you are away. Even for just a short while, their needs should be considered throughout the respite period.
Find a respite carer trained specifically in dementia care to ensure they have all the skills required to look after your loved one. At Home Instead, our innovative dementia training has been awarded The Princess Royal Training Award, and our City & Guilds accredited programme provides our Care Professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for high-quality dementia care.
If you can, do a handover with the replacement carer to discuss your loved one’s needs. These may include basic things like foods they like to eat and activities they enjoy, or it could be specific to their dementia diagnosis such as triggers that cause behavioural issues, or areas of the home they struggle to navigate. Explaining what your loved one can and can’t do will help ensure their care and routine is consistent.
Think about how long your loved one might handle respite care for. While short-term respite care may seem like a good idea to minimise disruption, your loved one may not have enough time to settle into a new routine, which could mean a longer respite period is more beneficial. This is a difficult judgement call to make, so ask your loved one’s doctors or the potential care agency if you need support and advice.

What are the benefits of respite care for those with dementia and their families?

Respite care offers many invaluable benefits, both for the person living with dementia and for their families and caregivers.

For those with a dementia condition, the benefits may include:

Receiving specialised dementia care from a professional with dementia training
Gaining new types of cognitive stimulation through structured activities and new hobbies, which can enhance wellbeing
Staying in a familiar, comfortable environment (if receiving care at home) – a 2013 study found those living with dementia at home experienced higher activity levels, quality of life, and felt more socially connected than those living in a care home
Accessing respite care through several flexible options, such as at home, through a sitting service, or in a day care centre
Maintaining a regular and predictable routine – studies show familiar surroundings can improve quality of life of those with dementia
Having constant companionship at home to manage feelings of loneliness or worry
Experiencing relief from any guilt they are feeling about receiving care from family members – studies show care receivers often feel guilty about receiving more care than they can give in return, and respite care can provide a break from this
Opportunities to test out alternative types of care to see if something else could be a better fit – for example, if they have never tried attending a day care centre before they may find this unexpectedly enjoyable
Opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones without them being ‘on duty’ to provide care

For caregivers, the benefits of respite care may include:

A much-needed break from caregiver burnout, which can minimise compassion fatigue (feeling like you lack empathy for the person you are caring for) – this is a common symptom of caregiver burnout
Peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving specialised care in a safe environment
The chance to manage other life responsibilities outside of caring for a loved one
Opportunities to maintain other work responsibilities – 57% of people who stopped working or reduced their hours at work to care for someone said they did this due to the stress of juggling both
Opportunities to prioritise your wellbeing to continue providing the best care for your loved one – research shows family caregivers of people with dementia tend to experience social isolation and physical health deterioration
Opportunities to attend social events or go on family holidays without worry
Opportunities to renew your energy through the chance to engage in self-care activities and hobbies
Addressing your mental health – 27% of unpaid carers are reported to have ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ mental health, and for those caring for 50+ hours per week, or for 10+ years, this rises to 31%
Opportunities to spend time with a loved one with dementia in a non-care capacity, to maintain your familial relationship

What are the disadvantages of respite care?

There are few disadvantages to dementia respite care, as this is considered a necessary service for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia on a regular basis. The person with dementia may be negatively impacted by the arrangement the most, as the transition to a new routine or environment could cause confusion and anxiety, leading to increased agitation or distress. They may resist change, which can make respite care more difficult for the caregiver who is trying to take a break.

For caregivers, the guilt or worry about leaving their loved ones in unfamiliar surroundings or with a stranger could impact the enjoyment of their break, potentially undermining the intended respite benefits. Although it is normal to worry that your loved one is upset or confused by your absence, you should try to fully enjoy your time away if you can, safe in the knowledge that they are being properly cared for.

For both parties, accessing high-quality dementia respite care may pose financial challenges or availability issues, so this can sometimes be a disadvantage too.

Is respite care free for dementia carers?

Your loved one’s eligibility for dementia respite care will depend on their needs and financial situation. If you are worried about being able to afford respite care (or that your loved one cannot afford this), take a look at the options for financial assistance or subsidised care depending on your situation.

To find out if you are eligible to receive dementia respite care, you should start by reaching out to your local council to organise a Care Needs Assessment if you haven’t already, and ask about the available respite options and financial support for your loved one.

If you haven’t already, you should also speak to them about receiving Carer’s Allowance, which could provide you with a weekly payment if you are caring for a loved one for at least 35 hours per week. Check the GOV.UK website for more information to see if you qualify.

How do you arrange respite care for someone living with dementia?

If you are looking after a loved one with dementia and you believe you need to arrange respite care – whether to manage symptoms of burnout, attend an important event, go on holiday, or something else – it can be hard to let go when you have managed your loved one’s care for so long. Deciding to find respite care can be a difficult decision to make, but once you have made it, it is relatively easy to organise provided there are dementia care specialists available in your area.

Assess the needs of your loved one and the level of care required – a Care Needs Assessment from the local council can do this for you, and allow you to discuss future respite care needs in advance as they can make recommendations on things like available services, funding and other forms of support.
Decide which type of respite care is best for your loved one. For example, if they experience agitation and distress, home respite care may be the answer, or if you are particularly worried about them becoming confused and wandering, a secure care home could be the best option. Or if you only need a few hours of respite each week, a day care centre could cover their care while you recharge.
Find out what options are available in your area by contacting your local council to discuss your needs. You could also research private home care providers if you are looking to self-fund, and find the ones you believe are best qualified and trained to provide dementia services.
Find out how much it would cost to organise the level of respite care you need.
Prepare for the transition ahead of time by involving your loved one in the discussion and decisions on the best type of respite care. Discuss this with them, and help them understand why it is a necessary arrangement. You can also introduce them to the replacement caregiver so they feel comfortable accepting their help.
List out any behavioural concerns or specifics of their care that would be helpful for a respite carer to know. Although the respite carer should be trained in dementia care and well-versed in dealing with scenarios that may arise, it is always helpful to give as much detail as possible to ensure continuity of care.
If you can, keep in touch with the replacement carer during the respite period to address any issues or concerns. If you need a full break from caring or are going on holiday and cannot receive messages from the respite carer, appoint someone else in your place who can answer questions if needed.

Approaching Respite Care For Older People

For family caregivers, arranging respite care for an older loved one starts with discussing the possibility with them. While some older people are very open to receiving replacement care in order to give their family members a break, others can feel worried by the thought and may even refuse to accept respite care. For this reason, approaching the subject with your older loved one requires forward-planning and sensitivity in order to help them understand the need.

Here, we are looking at the best ways to begin “the respite discussion”, including the benefits you can talk about, involving your loved one in the choice of respite care, what to do if they continue to refuse, and where to seek further advice and support.

How do I know if I need respite care?

Caring for an older family member can be very rewarding, however the day-to-day duties of this role can be challenging. There is no doubt that looking after a loved one who perhaps has mobility or cognitive issues can be exhausting at times, and respite care should always be considered when the stress of caring becomes too much.

For clarity, a caregiver is someone who provides physical care, mental health care, or additional help to a person who is unable to do the same for themselves, but sometimes this can feel hard to define in real life. If you are unsure if you are in a carer role for a family member, it can help to ask yourself questions like:

Am I helping them with personal care, like using the bathroom or getting dressed?
Am I managing their medication schedule?
Am I managing their visits from healthcare providers or specialist carers?

For many family caregivers, it can be difficult to recognise when they are in a carer role and when it is time to seek respite care in order to avoid burnout or to attend to something in their personal life. Caregiver burnout is a recognised state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion, and is commonly experienced by both professional carers and family caregivers, as well as those caring part-time and full-time. Some signs of caregiver burnout include:

Physical exhaustion, or aches and pains
Feeling emotionally drained
Withdrawing from friends and family – research suggests 50% of carers say they feel lonely, so isolation can be a key problem
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
Feelings of hopelessness, feeling stuck, or like a dark cloud hangs overhead – research suggests 49% of carers feel depressed, so this is important to address
Changes in appetite and/or weight
Changes in sleep, such as insomnia
Struggling to focus
Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach troubles or tense muscles
Becoming sick more frequently
Becoming irritable or frustrated by the care receiver – compassion fatigue is a lack of empathy for the person requiring care, and is a common symptom of carer burnout
Turning to unhealthy coping habits like smoking, alcohol or junk food
Becoming more anxious about whether or not the appropriate care is being provided – research suggests over three quarters of carers feel stressed or anxious

If you have been experiencing any of the above emotions, it could be time to look into respite options so you can take a break and recharge your batteries.

When should I bring up the possibility of respite care with my loved one?

Your loved one may feel worried when they hear about the possibility of you leaving and a respite carer visiting instead. For this reason, you should bring up the concept of respite care as early as possible.

By broaching respite as a possibility for the future, you can start to float the idea as a positive solution rather than something imminent that they should worry about. This way they may feel less intimidated and be more willing to talk about it with you.

You may also want to do things in advance to prepare them for the change, like having another family member pop in to sit with them for a few hours, or hiring someone to help with housework and cleaning to get them used to the idea of having strangers around.

How should I broach the subject of respite care?

Starting the respite discussion isn’t easy, but there are some tips for speaking to older people that can make this subject more approachable so they stay open to the idea.

Use questions: Although respite care is typically arranged to address how you – the caregiver – are feeling, it can help to keep the focus on your loved one in the beginning by asking how they feel. Direct the conversation using questions like ‘How have you been feeling about our care arrangement recently?’, or ‘Is there anything you think you need that I have not been helping with?’. These questions could open up a discussion about the possibility of bringing in the help of a respite carer.

Come to the discussion prepared: Do some initial research into the types of care available, and what you think would help your loved one most. It can help if you already know things like the cost of respite care and how to arrange it, along with a pros and cons list (our list below could help with this).
Let them be part of the decision: Ultimately the final decision on respite care is up to you as the caregiver, however you should still be listening to your loved one and taking their recommendations to make sure they still feel in control of their own situation. Never assume you automatically know what’s best for them.
Reassure them that it won’t come out of the blue: If your loved one is worried that you will spring respite care on them suddenly, ensure they know you will keep them in the loop as the arrangements evolve and give them plenty of notice.
Explain that you will help with the transition: Many older people worry that a respite carer won’t know what they need when taking over from a family member, so let them know you will be around to help with the transition when the time comes, and will ensure the respite carer has all the information to provide continuity of care.

Give them further reading: Sometimes a short initial discussion is best, followed by offering your loved one some resources to read so they can take the idea in by themselves and spend time thinking about it. Age UK has a lot of helpful information on respite care for older people.

What should I say to them?

The best way to approach the discussion with a hesitant older loved one is to relay the many benefits that respite care has for both you (the caregiver) and them (the care receiver). In fact, there is a lot of evidence to suggest respite care can benefit everyone involved in the care process.

Start with the benefits that older adults could experience through respite care:

Opportunities to socialise with new people: Respite carers can be a new face and a new chance for companionship and mental stimulation for your older loved one, so bring this up as a positive. Speaking to someone new can provide fresh activities (within their usual routine), and an opportunity for them to bring up anything they don’t feel comfortable discussing with you.
The chance to stay in their own home: Having a respite carer visit your loved one’s home to provide care alleviates the need for them to move elsewhere, for example, to another relative’s home or a care home. Staying in their own home can foster a sense of comfort, familiarity and security for them, which is particularly helpful for anyone living with dementia. One study found those living at home with dementia experienced higher activity levels, quality of life, and felt more socially connected than those living in a care home.
No gaps in care: If safety and health are their main concerns, then bringing in a respite carer is the best way to ensure continuity of care while you are away. If medications still need to be administered, and care needs attended to, then a respite carer can tailor their care to meet your loved one’s needs and preferences.
Maintained independence: Sometimes an older person will worry that a respite carer will change their routine and control aspects of their life that they do not want to change. It can help to reassure your loved one that respite carers are there to support their independence, meaning they can stay at home and stick to their preferred schedules for meals, activities, rest, and more.
Peace of mind: Having a respite carer available in your loved one’s home can put their mind at ease in terms of their safety, so there is always someone around should they be needed in case of an emergency. For older adults who may be worried about what will happen if their regular carer is off sick or is suddenly unable to look after them, knowing that respite care is available can be a positive thing.
An increase in the quality of their care: Although your loved one may be comfortable with your care, sometimes respite carers can bring additional training and qualifications, and can point out any areas of care that could be improved. Also, if the regular carer reaches the stage of burnout they could begin to unintentionally provide care that does not meet the required standard, or they could miss key symptoms in the person’s health. Having regular breaks with a respite carer can help to avoid this.

There are also benefits for caregivers like yourself when respite care is engaged:

Avoid caregiver burnout:Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that happens as a result of an overload of caring duties for an extended period of time. Respite care can help to avoid this burnout by offering regular breaks to reduce stress and overwhelm. You can read more about this in our guide: Carer’s Burnout: Knowing You Need Respite
Improve your health and wellbeing: According to the Mental Health Foundation, 71% of carers have poor physical or mental health, and research suggests 55% of carers report suffering from depression. Your health and mental health are important, so having regular time off through respite care can help you to focus on your wellbeing without compromising on the quality of your loved one’s care.
Manage your personal responsibilities: When caring for a loved one, you may find yourself dropping the ball on your own life responsibilities. Respite care offers the opportunity to manage these around care duties to maintain balance in your own life. Research shows 75% of carers in employment worry about juggling work and care, so respite care can help you manage things if you have a job outside of caring.
Less worry: It can be difficult to leave a loved one in the hands of a stranger when you are so dialled in to their care needs, and feelings of guilt and worry are common. Having a trusted respite carer means you know there is someone around who understands the complexities of your loved one’s needs and can step in to help. You may not feel as confident leaving them with a sitting service or adult day care centre.
Opportunities to attend important events or go on holiday: Your own life responsibilities may include attending events like weddings or birthdays, or going on a regular family holiday. You should not avoid these things just because you are providing care, as respite care is designed for exactly these reasons. Respite care means your loved one will be looked after when you are not around, so you can attend events without having to leave early, and book holidays without worrying that something bad could happen while you are gone.
A stronger relationship: When you are caring for a loved one – such as a parent, a partner, or another relative – your relationship with them can begin to change and become more of a caregiver/care receiver relationship. Respite care offers you both a chance to spend time away from each other, or to spend time together as a family rather than with you in a caregiver role.
Breaks during periods of increased demand: There are always other life responsibilities to take into account alongside your caring role, and when larger events come up – such as a big house move or a new baby – it can be difficult to stay on top of everything. During periods of increased demand, respite care takes over when you need it so you do not need to split your focus.

What types of respite care are available?

There are a few different types of respite care that can be arranged for your loved one, and each will have its own benefits depending on their needs, any medical conditions they have, and how long you would like respite care to last for. These include:

Sitting services – Charities like Age UK offer sitting services. This is when a trained volunteer will sit with your loved one for a few hours to allow you (the regular caregiver) to take a break. This might be for everyday things like eating a meal, running errands, or to have a short break for your mental health.
Day care centres – Adult day care centres are also offered by charities or local councils, providing a safe environment for older people to attend and take part in activities and socialise with others in the community. All of this happens while their care needs are overseen by a team of staff, so you can rest assured they are in good hands for the day.
Care home or nursing home – In some cases, temporary stays in care homes or nursing homes can be arranged. This provides respite to an older person’s regular carers, as the facility’s regular offerings (such as meals, activities and medical care) will be extended to your loved one too.
In your loved one’s own home – If you look after your loved one in their own home, then respite care can be arranged within their home, meaning minimal disruption to their environment and routines. While there are benefits to all types of respite care, respite care carried out in a person’s own home is particularly helpful for older adults as the World Health Organization recommends they are cared for in their own homes for as long as possible to maintain a strong sense of wellbeing.

What if they don’t agree to respite care?

If your older relative does not agree to receiving respite care, it’s important to approach the situation with patience and understanding.

Start by listening to their concerns and reasons for resistance without dismissing their feelings. Rather than pressuring them to receive respite care, it is important to listen to their objections and personal reasons. Try to understand any doubts or fears they have so you can respond appropriately to put their mind at ease. Some of these reasons may include a fear that they will lose their independence, a fear that their routine will change, worries about paying for respite care, worries that you will stop visiting, a fear of strangers in their home, or something else. Acknowledge their perspective on the matter and validate their emotions while also reassuring them that you will address any concerns they have.
Express your own needs as their caregiver. You are allowed to let them know when you are feeling burnt out or stressed, or if you need time off for a specific reason. Understanding how much this could help you could cause a change of heart, so don’t be afraid to express any issues you are having.
Provide information about the benefits of respite care for them and for you, as mentioned above. They may find some of the benefits on our list interesting.
Talk about the options together so they are part of the discussion. Find out if they would rather stay in their own home to receive respite care, what routines they would definitely like to stick to, anything they are worried about or do not want, and any activities they would like to try while you are gone – looking forward to positive things could counteract the worry they feel.

Where can I get more advice and support on arranging respite care?

It is common to feel overwhelmed by caring duties from time to time, so having discussions about respite care can help you feel like there are options for the future if the workload starts to get on top of you, or if your health or mental health begins to suffer.

If you are looking to arrange respite care for any reason, you may want to begin by organising a Care Needs Assessment with the local council who will discuss with you future respite care needs in advance, and which type of respite care might be best for your loved one. If you are thinking about private respite care providers, research the home care agencies in your area that can offer the type of care you are looking for, with qualified and trained respite carers.

Remember to discuss the transition with your loved one ahead of time by involving them in the discussion and decisions on the best type of respite care, and introducing them to the replacement caregiver so they feel comfortable accepting their help.

Who Pays For Respite Care?

Respite care is a vital element of the care process offering temporary relief to carers or family caregivers looking after an older person, so there is a support system in place should they need or want to take a break from their care duties.

If you are considering organising respite care and wondering how the financial side works, we are breaking down what funding options are available to you, including the possibility of council-funded respite care, NHS-funded respite care, grants, and charity contributions. We will also cover how to pay for respite care if you are self-funding the service, and how to decide which is the best option for you and your loved one.

How do I get a Care Needs Assessment for respite care?

If you are caring for a loved one and want to organise some respite care so you can take a break for any reason, then arranging a Care Needs Assessment is the first step. This may be done to organise your loved one’s access to regular home care services, but it also covers the need for respite care.

During a Care Needs Assessment, an assessor will visit your loved one’s home, chat to you both about the daily routine and what may be required, and ask any questions to help determine what respite care services you could benefit from – you can read all about the Care Needs Assessment in detail in our guide.

There are two types of Care Needs Assessment – one for the person requiring care, which looks at the best ways to improve their daily life, and one for carers to determine what they need to do the job well and how to improve their situation.

During your Care Needs Assessment you will have the chance to discuss your personal situation and what you need, and if regular breaks from caring is something that will benefit you, respite care may be arranged either on an ongoing or ad-hoc basis. The respite services offered to you could be regular home care visits to take over caring duties, a sitting service to take over for a few hours a week, or something else.

Once the Care Needs Assessment has been completed, you will be assigned a Care Plan which will detail any services that will be used to help you. You can read more in our guide: All About The Care Plan.

Who pays for respite care?

Understanding who pays for what types of care can be confusing, especially if you have never used a respite care service before. Firstly, it may help to read our guide on paying for care in a more general sense, as this can provide lots of useful information: Paying For Care: Who Pays What?

There are several ways you can fund respite care or have it paid for on your behalf, depending on where in the country you live and your individual circumstances. Here are a few of the most common options:

Funding through your local council

Your local council will usually only provide respite care after a Care Needs Assessment has been carried out and it has been decided you are eligible for this to be funded. As well as looking at your situation and need, your local council will also conduct a financial assessment to determine how much your loved one can afford to contribute towards their respite care costs.

If your income and savings fall below a certain threshold, they may receive funding to cover some or all of the respite care costs. For example, if you live in England and Wales, you may need to pay for your own care if your savings and assets are above the means test threshold, which is £23,250 in England, or £24,000 in Wales.

The council will usually decide what type of respite care is required, however you may have the choice of how this money is spent. The respite care options you could have include a replacement carer for days you don’t work, local day care centres your loved one can visit, sitting services to cover short respite breaks, and temporary stays in care homes.

Funding through the NHS

In some cases, respite care can be funded by the National Health Service, however this mostly happens if the respite care required relates to medical needs. NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of ongoing NHS and social care that is both arranged and funded by the NHS. This can be used for a number of things, and respite care is one of them.

The NHS Continuing Healthcare Checklist assessment is used to determine if individuals with complex health needs are eligible for ongoing healthcare funding, and it covers a range of areas like mobility, cognition, communication, medication management, and more. The initial assessment is conducted through your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), and if your needs are thought to be mostly health-related, a full assessment will be carried out to ascertain your eligibility and find out if your necessary care costs would be covered.

Grants and charities

Sometimes funding through the local council or NHS is not possible, in which case charity programs and grants can be extremely helpful in allowing carers to have respite breaks. There are many charitable and voluntary organisations around the UK offering respite care services, either for free or at a subsidised rate to help with the cost. These organisations typically receive funding themselves through donations and grants to support their respite care programs. If you are curious to find out more about the charities you could apply to for potential funding assistance, here are a few offering respite services:

Carers Trust: Carers Trust offers grants to help cover the cost of respite care for carers and their loved ones who need it. You can speak to your local Carers Trust service who will explain how this works, whether or not you qualify, and walk you through the application process. If you do not qualify, it is worth getting in touch with Carers Trust regardless, as they can usually discuss other ways to pay for respite and alternative support options such as helping you apply for benefits.
Turn2Us: Turn2Us is a free online service helping people in need access charitable grants and other financial support. Their website has a helpful Grants Search option where you can answer some questions about your situation and they will come back to you with information about the grants you may be eligible for.
Revitalise Support Fund: The Revitalise Support Fund helps carers and people in need of care to cover the cost of respite breaks. To apply for funding, you can complete an application form online to find out if you are eligible for a grant. The Revitalise Support Fund will usually offer a portion of the cost of the break, so you may need to cover the remaining balance.
The Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust: The Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust offers grants to help people who are ill, convalescent or disabled, and this includes respite care to give carers a short break from caring duties. You can apply for the grant on their website, and the amount you receive will depend on your situation and the type of break you are looking for. Keep in mind respite breaks must be taken with one of their registered providers, such as Revitalise (see above).
The Respite Association: The Respite Association helps people who are caring for loved ones by offering them an opportunity to recharge their batteries with a respite break. They provide short-term assistance by funding respite care for those who need it, so their regular unpaid carer can take a break. They will help to cover a number of breaks, such as short-term respite so the carer can attend an evening class, to a weekend break or a holiday. You can learn more on their website.
The League of the Helping Hand: This charity can provide one-off payments towards carers’ breaks to support carers living on a very low income. It helps to prioritise their wellbeing and self-care through respite care so they can take time off for a number of reasons. You can fill out an application form on their website to see if you are eligible for funding.
The Victoria Convalescent Trust: The Victoria Convalescent Trust is a charity providing grants to fund short breaks for people living in England and Wales who need recuperative care or respite care. The amount you receive will depend on your situation, however the trust can provide funding for a range of breaks. Keep in mind this charity only accepts applications completed by a health professional or other support worker. You can learn more on their website.

Self-funded respite care

Self-funded respite care may be the only option for those whose financial situation makes them ineligible for any of the above pathways. It may also be the preferred route for those who would like more choice over the respite care services they employ and who would like to organise these services with little wait time.

Remember, even if you have to (or choose to) self-fund your respite care, you will need to seek, arrange and pay for this yourself, but your local council should still provide support and resources to help you do this – don’t be afraid to reach out to them.

You will find many home care agencies offering respite care, so you can search for the ones in your local area that may be able to provide the services you need. At Home Instead, we offer flexible, high quality home respite care from our highly trained Care Professionals all over the UK, so you can trust that your loved one is being taken care of while you take some much-needed time off.

Other funding options

It is certainly worth speaking to your local council about the options available to you, because even if you are ineligible for any of the above and you are unable to self-fund respite care, there are usually recommendations they can make.

In addition, there may be free adult day care centres in your area that can provide you with regular days off each week or month. Age UK provides some of these, offering an opportunity for older adults to spend the day with others doing various activities whilst receiving the care they need from trained professionals.

If you are struggling to figure out a way to fund respite care, you could also consider things like family contributions, crowdfunding options, home equity release, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that cover respite care, or private insurance policies.

How do I know which funding option to pursue?

It can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to funding respite care, but the options listed above may be relevant to you depending on your financial situation, eligibility criteria, available resources and the type of respite care you are looking for.

The Care Needs Assessment is always a good place to start, as it can help to determine what is required. From there, you can find out what kind of respite care you could be eligible for, and whether this is the type of respite care you need for your situation – for example, if you need regular days off each month, time off for a big event coming up, or a respite holiday to recharge your batteries.

Once you know what care is required and what type of respite you need, you can look into the other funding options mentioned above to see what may be available to you.

How Much Does Respite Care Cost?

Respite care is such an important resource for carers looking after older loved ones, but it can be difficult to know where to begin when arranging and paying for this type of replacement care.

Often the wealth of information on respite care, the funding options available and the potential costs can be overwhelming, so we are looking at how to choose a respite care service for an older person, what is covered by respite care, the approximate cost of each type of respite service (and the ones that cost more than others), plus how to arrange respite care with an agency like us.

Why is respite care important?

Respite care is important for family caregivers of older adults who spend time each week looking after and attending to the needs of their loved one. Many people have been helping a family member for a while, but have not yet considered themselves a carer.

How do I choose a respite care service?

There are several types of respite care services that could be helpful depending on your situation and the type of cover you need. Financial considerations are important when researching this, as choosing the best respite care service for you may depend on the cost of each service and the funding available. You may be eligible for respite care via:

Your local council
The National Health Service
Charities or grants
Your own funds

Each of these services may provide funding for either home care, a temporary stay in a care home, a sitting service, an adult day care centre, or a respite holiday. You will find more on each of these options below.

What does each type of respite care service cost?

According to the NHS, respite care could cost on average between £700 to £800 a week, however this general figure could be drastically different for you depending on your financial situation, the type of service you intend to use, the length of time you plan to use the service for, and other factors.

Here are the different types of respite care services available, and the associated costs:

Home respite care from a paid carer

You are probably familiar with the concept of domiciliary care if you are caring for a loved one in their own home, and you may have already gone through a Care Needs Assessment to arrange this. Home care can be implemented for those who need it, and respite care works in a similar way in order to cover the duties of a regular caregiver.

This could be respite cover for one day a week to allow the regular carer to attend work, sort out other life responsibilities, or even just have a day off to recuperate. It could also be arranged to cover a holiday period, such as a week or a fortnight.

Depending on where in the UK you live, the average hourly cost of this type of home respite care service could be:

UK Region	Weekday Avg. Cost	Weekend/Evening Avg. Cost
Greater London	£31.28	£32.82
East of London	£29.88	£29.88
East of England	£32.86	£34.51
North East	£31.17	£32.00
North West	£30.25	£30.97
South East	£33.52	£35.22
South West	£32.97	£34.35
Yorkshire and The Humber	£31.52	£33.17
West Midlands	£31.36	£32.67
East Midlands	£31.58	£34.58
Wales	£32.36	£33.86
Scotland	£33.04	£33.50
Northern Ireland	£30.33	£32.50

*Average costs correct as of November 2023

The above table shows the average cost of care, but keep in mind the final cost you pay will depend on the number of hours of respite care you need, how often, and what kind of care this is.

If the person you care for needs 24-hour supervision, you may need to arrange live-in respite care, with one carer to manage daytime care and another to manage overnight needs. This could be on average £1,500 per week, depending on the provider you use.

“My life has changed dramatically since having my live-in care professional Mimi. I no longer feel anxious about being alone or falling as I have the reassurance that someone is always at home with me.”

– Home Instead client Thomas Hopkins (“Mr Tom”)

A temporary stay in a care home

If respite care is arranged far enough in advance, a short stay in a care home or nursing home can be arranged to allow carers to take a full break safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being looked after 24/7 in a facility with trained staff. This type of respite care can be useful if, for example, you are booking a holiday and want to ensure your relative is safe at all times while you are away.

According to Age UK, a place in a care or nursing home can cost on average between £800 and £1,078 per week depending on your location, however for short term respite stays this could be as high as £1,500 per week.

If your loved one would prefer to stay at home, or you do not feel they need 24/7 monitoring, sometimes live-in care can be a more affordable option than a stay in a care home.

An adult day care centre

Adult day care centres are daytime respite services that take place at a specific location, and you will usually find one in your local area. Your loved one can either be dropped off here for the day, or you can arrange for transport to pick them up.

These centres offer a chance for older people who find it difficult to get out and about to socialise with others in their community and take part in fun and stimulating activities. They also enable the carer to have a day off from their duties while their loved one is looked after by trained professionals at the day care centre.

Adult day care centres can be funded by your local council or other sources, however if you are funding these yourself the average cost of this service is around £20 per day. These costs will vary depending on your location, whether or not your loved one needs transport, and whether or not they require any specialist care while visiting.

Respite holidays

Sometimes instead of regular carer’s breaks, one longer period of respite is needed. This could be to recharge your batteries, to address mental health concerns, or to take a much-needed holiday.

In these cases, respite holidays enable carers and older adults to take a break from everyday life. You will find a number of charities offering services like this, such as Carers Trust, Turn2Us, Revitalise Support Fund, The Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust, The Respite Association, The League of the Helping Hand, The Victoria Convalescent Trust and more.

Sitting services

Many charities offer sitting services or befriending services, and these are usually carried out by trained volunteers. However, you can also pay for a similar service through a home care agency who will typically charge a similar rate to their hourly home care services. You can find the average hourly prices for these above.

Many care agencies offer a companionship service which could provide similar benefits to that of sitting services offered by charities.

What is included in respite care?

What respite care involves depends on your needs, the resources available (if you are funding this through a charity, for example), and what you have agreed with a service ahead of time. Remember, respite care is designed to benefit both the person requiring care, and the regular carer who is in need of a break.

This type of care can be arranged to cover the needs of anyone with a disability, a chronic illness, an age-related condition, anyone going through end-of-life or palliative care, a person with dementia or another cognitive impairment, or anyone else who may need this.

Respite care is very similar to other types of care provided at home, including companionship or complex care as needed, so it can bring together a range of services tailored to cover the diverse needs of each individual. The aim is to achieve continuity of care so nothing changes for the person while their carer is absent. Respite care might include things like:

Personal care (such as getting washed and dressed every day)
Supporting the individual to maintain daily activities they enjoy
Managing medication schedules or other health needs
Housework and home management
Creating mentally stimulating activities
Companionship to maintain social interaction
Mobility support to ensure the person is moving around their home safely
Transporting the individual to social activities and other appointments

Respite care will look different for each person depending on their Care Plan and how long the carer will be on a break for. Some examples of what respite care might look like include:

Covering care several nights a week to allow the regular carer to enjoy a full night of uninterrupted sleep
Popping in to make the client’s dinner each night so their regular carer can attend to matters at home or put young children to bed
Providing care for one week several times a year so the regular carer can enjoy a family holiday or simply take time off to recharge

“From day one Home Instead has given us a first-class professional caring service. Office staff and carers very helpful and understanding.”

– Paul and Sandra, Home Instead Clients

Are there any types of respite care that cost more?

Respite care is largely dependent on each individual’s situation, so it can help to be aware of the types of respite care that could cost more than the examples mentioned above. When figuring out how much respite care may cost for you, you should consider factors like:

The level of care required – Does your loved one need specialist medical care?
The type of respite care you need – Will your loved one require at-home respite care, a stay in a care home, a sitting service, an adult day care centre, or something else?
The length of care – How long will you be taking a break for? Or will this be an ongoing arrangement?
The location of respite care – Care costs in the UK differ depending on your region, so consider where you will be requiring respite care.
Additional services needed – Does your loved one require anything extra, such as recreational activities, therapy, transport or something else?
The quality of your care provider – Home care agencies differ in price based on the quality of care they provide, so you should consider what agency is best for you.

A few types of respite care that tend to cost more than others include:

Live-in respite care

As mentioned above, it can be difficult to predict how much live-in respite care will cost without knowing the variables affecting the cost, such as your loved one’s needs, how many live-in carers will be on rotation in the home, whether or not there is specialist medical care involved, the location of the client’s home, and more.

It is always best to contact an agency who provides live-in carers to discuss your needs for a more accurate cost, but as a rough guide, live-in care through an agency often ranges from around £1,350 to £2,000 per week, depending on the factors mentioned. You can read more in our guide: How Much Does A Live-In Carer Cost?

Emergency respite care

Sometimes respite care is needed on very short notice, which can make the cost higher than the typical rates. If you are unable to get another relative to step in in the case of an emergency, then emergency respite care could be higher than the costs mentioned above due to the last-minute nature of the arrangement. For this reason, it can help to consider what you would do if you are suddenly unable to care for your loved one.

Dementia respite care

If your loved one lives with dementia or another cognitive condition, sometimes specialist dementia respite care will be required to ensure they are properly taken care of. More support is often needed for those with dementia when their care involves medication and an understanding of their cognitive abilities, in order to avoid disrupting their regular routine.

Dementia respite care can be more difficult to arrange if the person requiring care becomes anxious and upset at the thought of change, or feels scared of the new face in their home during the respite period. For these reasons, dementia carers are knowledgeable in the different stages of dementia and trained to handle behaviours like agitation, wandering and confusion, which are common in people with dementia.

“This is a company whose staff really do care on a personal level and who are client orientated, providing stimulative activities, conversation and going the extra mile to help client and family.”

– Eileen, Home Instead Client

Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards

I have worked with Home Instead since July 2016 as a member of the Quality Team, taking the role of Head of Quality & Standards in 2020.

Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.

Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.

In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.

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.css-o7hy0w{font-weight:400;}Self Care For Carers: Respite Care At Home

What is respite care?

Who is respite care for?

What does respite care include?

What are the benefits of respite care?

For the person receiving care, the benefits include…

The benefits for the person caring for their loved one include…

What does a respite carer do?

What does a respite carer not do?

The Benefits Of In-Home Respite Care

What types of respite care are available?

Why is respite care better at home for older adults?

What are the benefits of at-home respite care over other types, specifically for carers?

Manage personal responsibilities

Improve health and wellbeing

Reduce worries about a loved one’s care

Avoid carer burnout

Attend events or go on holiday

Better manage your relationship

Cover a period of increased demand

What are the benefits of at-home respite care over other types, specifically for older people?

Stay in familiar surroundings

Maintain their independence

Socialise with new people

Achieve continuity of care

Increase wellbeing and improve quality of life

Peace of mind

Increased quality of care

How Long Can Respite Care Last?

How long does self-funded at-home respite care last for?

How long does at-home respite care last if funded by a local council or charity?

How long does emergency respite care last for?

What might respite care look like?

Is there a limit to how long respite care can last?

Does the use of respite care affect my Carer’s Allowance?

Carer’s Burnout: Knowing You Need Respite

How do you know if you are a carer?

What is carer fatigue, or carer burnout?

What are the signs and symptoms of carer burnout?

What can lead to carer burnout?

What are the potential long-term effects and challenges of caregiver burnout?

What is respite care?

How to cope with carer burnout, and minimise your chances of developing it

How to know when you need the help of a respite carer

Special Considerations For Dementia Respite Care

What is dementia respite care?

How is it different from regular respite care?

What type of respite care is needed for someone with dementia?

What else should I think about when organising dementia respite care?

What are the benefits of respite care for those with dementia and their families?

For those with a dementia condition, the benefits may include:

For caregivers, the benefits of respite care may include:

What are the disadvantages of respite care?

Is respite care free for dementia carers?

How do you arrange respite care for someone living with dementia?

Approaching Respite Care For Older People

How do I know if I need respite care?

When should I bring up the possibility of respite care with my loved one?

How should I broach the subject of respite care?

What should I say to them?

What types of respite care are available?

What if they don’t agree to respite care?

Where can I get more advice and support on arranging respite care?

Who Pays For Respite Care?

How do I get a Care Needs Assessment for respite care?

Who pays for respite care?

Funding through your local council

Funding through the NHS

Grants and charities

Self-funded respite care

Other funding options

How do I know which funding option to pursue?

How Much Does Respite Care Cost?

Why is respite care important?

How do I choose a respite care service?

What does each type of respite care service cost?

Home respite care from a paid carer

“My life has changed dramatically since having my live-in care professional Mimi. I no longer feel anxious about being alone or falling as I have the reassurance that someone is always at home with me.”

– Home Instead client Thomas Hopkins (“Mr Tom”)

A temporary stay in a care home

Self Care For Carers: Respite Care At Home