Elderly sitting services
Helpful short-term respite or sitting services for family caregivers, from trusted, experienced Care Professionals that can offer everything from ad-hoc companionship to complex care while your loved one stays in their own home.
What are elderly sitting services?
Sitting services are a type of short-term respite care for families and regular caregivers who need a break to recharge. For older adults who require care or supervision, our Care Professionals offer sitting services as a way to check in and ensure older loved ones are healthy, happy and comfortable while regular carers are absent.
Sitting services can be combined with other types of care, such as:
- Personal care
- Home care and housekeeping
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Mobility support
- Medication reminders and assistance
- Pet care
Why are elderly sitting services helpful for older adults?
There are many benefits to home respite care, as sitting services can be useful for older adults and regular caregivers alike. Without time off, caregivers may begin to experience burnout, but sitting services offer opportunities for short, restorative breaks.
Older people experience benefits from sitting services such as feelings of safety in case of a fall, companionship to reduce loneliness, mental stimulation, emotional support, or a gradual introduction to more regular care.
Whether to simply bring in another friendly face during the day, or to take over from a regular caregiver, sitting services offer personalised support within a familiar environment, helping older adults to stay in the home they love.
Do I need elderly sitting services?
Regular caregivers can use sitting services as a way to enjoy time off, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is in capable hands. The need for sitting services depends on the individual’s abilities and health requirements, but you may benefit from this if your loved one:
- Is recovering from surgery, an illness or injury, and requires constant monitoring
- Has mobility issues and would like someone to be around in case of an accident
- Has a cognitive impairment like dementia and is not safe to be left alone
- Feels lonely between carer visits
- Needs assistance with certain tasks throughout the day
- Is receiving palliative care and needs someone to sit with them while you are away
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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I am very happy with the support, care and kindness I receive from all the staff of Home Instead.B.M, Client
We have been relying on Home Instead for nearly five years now and they have been wonderfully helpful and flexible throughout. I don’t know what we’d do without them.Carol, Client
Home Instead have an experienced caring team that far exceeds in quality anything we experienced from other agencies at this point of service.Steve, Client
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How to get started arranging elderly sitting services
There are many options for sitting services run by local organisations like Mind, Befriending Networks or Age UK, but if you are looking for a trusted, private sitting service, our experienced Care Professionals can step in whenever you need them.
We pair each client with a Care Professional who complements their interests, hobbies and personality, so your sitting service can arrange enjoyable activities and be completely tailored to your needs.
Whether you would like your caregiver to do some light housework while they visit to check on your loved one, play a game with them, or just sit with them for a chat, our Care Professionals can create a bespoke routine, and our helpful office staff are always on hand to answer questions.
Why Home Instead?
Our experienced, trusted Care Professionals are ready to step in and take over the care of your loved one at a moment’s notice. We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Sitting services can be arranged on their own, or alongside other services to create a combination that covers any and all needs. From personal care to specialist care to simple companionship, our Care Professionals can monitor, entertain and supervise within the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
FAQs
What are elderly sitting services?
Elderly sitting services provide temporary companionship and supervision for older adults in their own homes. These services are designed to offer families or caregivers a break while ensuring their loved one is safe, comfortable, and well-supported. Sitters can engage the elderly with meaningful conversations, activities, or simply provide a reassuring presence.
What does an elderly sitter do?
An elderly sitter’s responsibilities can vary based on the individual’s needs, but typically include:
- Offering companionship through conversation and shared activities
- Supervising the elderly individual to ensure safety
- Assisting with light tasks like preparing drinks or simple snacks
- Providing emotional comfort and encouragement
- Engaging in hobbies, games, or light exercises where appropriate
Sitters are not typically responsible for medical tasks or personal care, but tailored arrangements can be made depending on your needs.
How can elderly sitting services benefit families and caregivers?
These services provide essential peace of mind for family members and caregivers, allowing them to take a break, run errands, or attend to other responsibilities. For elderly individuals, having a sitter offers social interaction, reassurance, and support in the comfort of their own home. This can help combat isolation and bring enjoyment to their day.
How do I arrange an elderly sitting service?
You can begin by getting in touch with your local Home Instead office. All our services can be arranged for specific times or regularly scheduled periods based on your needs. We offer flexible plans, and you’ll be able to meet the Care Professional acting as a sitter in advance to find someone who is a good fit for your loved one.
How do I ensure quality and reliable elderly sitting services?
Look for agencies like Home Instead that specialise in elderly care, and offer vetted staff who are experienced and empathetic. Check reviews or ask for references if possible. Consistent communication and feedback with your local office can also help ensure quality and a positive experience for your loved one.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
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.