Emergency dementia respite care
Trusted emergency respite care for older adults with dementia, offering families peace of mind knowing there are trained, experienced Care Professionals ready to step in at any time.
What is emergency respite care?
Respite care is a type of temporary cover for home care that steps in to provide basic care while a regular caregiver is unavailable for any reason. Mostly, this will be arranged in advance to cover a holiday or scheduled time off, but occasionally the primary caregiver will need to step away urgently, for example if they become ill, or have a pressing family matter to attend to.
When this happens, emergency respite care can take over at a moment’s notice to make sure the person has all of their needs covered in the caregiver’s absence, particularly if they have specialist care needs that require specific knowledge and continuity. This includes dementia, where the person may become confused due to the sudden change and unfamiliar face.
How does emergency respite care differ for those with dementia?
Dementia respite care can take over when a regular dementia caregiver is unavailable for any reason, and might involve a combination of services like:
- Personal care (bathing and dressing)
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Mobility care
- Medication management
- Managing and soothing some behaviours like anxiety or sundowning
- Maintaining a calm environment to promote wellbeing
- Facilitating mentally stimulating activities such as games
- Helping manage the later stages of dementia
- Reassuring them about the status of their regular caregiver
Caring for a person with dementia can lead to carer’s burnout, which can happen gradually or suddenly, so knowing who to turn to for emergency dementia respite care could be a much-needed lifeline when times are tough.
What is the main purpose of emergency dementia respite care?
Depending on how advanced the person’s dementia is, emergency dementia respite care could either mean providing basic care for a few days while the regular caregiver is away, or it could be a longer, more challenging period of respite that involves managing their physical health as well as behavioural symptoms like severe agitation – this tends to happen when there is a change to their routine or surroundings when their regular caregiver is absent.
The goal of emergency dementia respite care is usually to maintain the typical routine as seamlessly as possible, and minimise any confusion or agitation they might feel. Dementia caregivers are trained in this, which is why having tailored, dementia-focused emergency respite care is so helpful.
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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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
Home Instead provide first class care. My care professionals are patient, kind and very reliable. I am very happy with the service they provide.Paul, Client
My mum receives excellent care from Home Instead. They are all very caring, friendly, organised and help my mum to feel happy, safe and well cared for in her own home. The carers are very good at communicating with the office and in turn the office are great at communicating any concerns to me as situations arise.Jane, Client's Family
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When should I arrange emergency dementia respite care?
Emergency dementia respite care is needed unexpectedly, so it is best to find a provider in advance so you know who to call in an emergency situation. Although some providers will be able to help without prior knowledge, your loved one will receive the best experience if you are able to meet in advance and walk carers through things like routine, temperament and preferences.
You can reach out to us at Home Instead to learn about our specialist dementia care. We understand how challenging it can be to hand care of your loved one over to someone else, especially in an emergency situation, so we aim to make this transition as smooth as possible. You can help us do this by reaching out in advance so our Care Professionals can be prepared.
Why Home Instead?
We can help with most care needs, and can step in during emergencies to support families who are unable to find alternative care arrangements. Our Care Professionals provide emergency dementia respite care to ensure that your loved one will never go without what they need to stay safe, and as comfortable as possible.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so even in the most complex or urgent cases, our dedicated team can step in to make sure you don’t need to worry about your loved one while managing personal matters. Whether you need emergency respite care now, or you want to secure potential support for the future, we are always ready to help.
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FAQs
What is emergency dementia respite care?
Emergency dementia respite care provides urgent, short-term support for people living with dementia when a regular carer is suddenly unavailable or needs immediate relief. It ensures your loved one continues to receive safe, familiar care in the comfort of their own home.
When might emergency dementia respite care be needed?
It may be required if a family carer becomes unwell, has a family emergency, or needs time to rest and recover. It can also be arranged quickly if your loved one’s needs suddenly change or additional support is needed at short notice.
How quickly can emergency respite care be arranged?
We understand that emergencies can’t wait. In most cases, we can arrange emergency dementia respite care within 24 hours – sometimes the same day. Our local team will carry out a swift assessment to ensure we match your loved one with the right Care Professional.
What support does emergency dementia respite care include?
Our trained Care Professionals can provide personal care, medication assistance, meal preparation, companionship, and reassurance for individuals with dementia. The focus is on maintaining routines, reducing anxiety, and keeping your loved one safe and comfortable at home.
How can emergency respite care help family carers?
It offers immediate peace of mind, knowing your loved one is being supported by dementia-trained Care Professionals. This allows family carers to take time to rest or manage unexpected situations, confident that compassionate, professional care continues at home.
Tim Howell , Learning and Development Partner
For the past 16 years, I have been dedicated to the care sector, progressing from Care Professional to Care Manager, and later assuming roles such as Specialist Training Manager. Currently, as a Learning and Development Partner at Home Instead’s National Office, I develop and review training programs, collaborate with external organizations like the Alzheimer’s Society, and manage various impactful projects.
My passion for dementia care has guided much of my work, from engaging with advanced dementia support initiatives, such as those offered by the End of Life Partnership, to staying informed through events like the annual Dementia Summit. These efforts reflect my deep commitment to enhancing the care and quality of life for individuals living with dementia