Respite care from Home Instead Poole offers support for older individuals and their caregivers, whether it’s needed in an emergency, on a regular basis, or for a one-off occasion. We understand the importance of taking breaks, and we’re here to provide the help you need.
Respite Care in Poole
Relationship-led and supportive Respite Care in Poole from compassionate and experienced home care professionals.
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Highest regulatory ratingsCare for 18,000+ older peopleRecommended by 95% of our clients 10,000 trained Care ProfessionalsHomecare.co.uk rating 9.6/10
Highest regulatory ratingsCare for 18,000+ older peopleRecommended by 95% of our clients 10,000 trained Care ProfessionalsHomecare.co.uk rating 9.6/10
The Poole Respite Care team, here to help every step of the way
We deliver respite care to Poole, Ferndown, Branksome, Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs and Westbourne.
Our respite care service provides peace of mind, ensuring your loved one receives personalised care at home, tailored to their needs. Delivered by our highly trained and experienced Care Professionals, we also offer home visits to support you in caring for your loved one, giving you time to rest and recharge.

Get in touch today to
see how we can help
Get in touch Why Respite Care may be right for you
Caring for a loved one can be both challenging and exhausting. At Home Instead Poole, we’re here to support you with our respite care services. You don’t have to manage all the care responsibilities alone, our dedicated team can step in to care for your loved one, giving you a well-deserved break.
Whether you need time to take a holiday, keep an appointment or attend a special occasion, we’re here to help.
Our tailored respite care services provide peace of mind, knowing that your loved one is receiving the essential care they need while you recharge. Our highly trained and experienced Care Professionals offer a range of services, including companionship, personal care, and dementia care.

What we do to care for your loved ones
We offer two types of home care: hourly care, where we visit at set times, or live-in care, where a carer resides in the home. Both are overseen by our care management team and delivered by compassionate Care Professionals. Each care package is made up of a unique mix of services to meet your needs.
Companionship care
We carefully match Care Professionals with clients to ensure a meaningful bond is created.Home help & meal prep
Keeping the home environment clean, safe, and nourishing with home-cooked meals.Personal care
Assistance with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, always respecting the dignity of your loved one.Mobility support
Helping your loved one move around their home safely, including transfers and positioning.Health appointment management
We support you to attend those important health appointments.Community engagement
We enable you to continue to do the things you enjoy, be it a visit to the garden centre or your local art group.Transportation
Assistance getting you from A to B, whether it be to go visit a friend or help with your shopping.Medication management
Ensuring medicines are taken correctly and on time, supporting overall health.

Dad and I were really pleased with the whole service we received from Home Instead. At times they went above and beyond to help us out of difficult times. They were very accommodating and genuinely caring. I would have no hesitation in recommending them. Thank you to everyone who looked after Dad.
A D (Daughter of Client)

I have been a user of this service for 5 years and have been impressed by the quality of my carers, their versatility and timekeeping. The office back up is also of good quality, for instance in lettin me know about changes to carers schedule of visits.
P C (Client)

Home Instead has provided care for my wife for nearly four years and has never disappointed. The caregivers are a major strength of the organisation – I have always found them to be friendly, reliable, helpful, thoughtful and punctual but last month one even exceeded my expectations! As she was leaving, I stood up and promptly collapsed, badly twisting my knee and cutting my head open. The caregiver’s response was magnificent, having make me comfortable and staunched the flow of blood she called for an ambulance and then searched my contact list to find some relatives close enough to help. Home Instead can certainly be relied upon to respond well in an emergency situation!
Terence O

Home Instead has changed my life. I look forward to the carers coming, although I can do a lot for myself, the extra help is very reassuring. I am less tired than I was when I did everything myself.
Thank you, Home Instead.
B M (Client)

Mum has Alzheimer’s, and we wanted to keep her in her own home for as long as possible; so Home Instead was the ideal solution. The staff are all friendly and very professional. We have two carers who cover Mum’s care over the week. Initially Mum was unsure about having anyone come into her home to help, but she soon settled down and seems to enjoy their company each day. It is a great comfort for us to know she is having a good meal each day, is taking her medication, and household chores are being undertaken. They have even done a little shopping for Mum, while it has been difficult for us to visit due to coronavirus. Mum’s hearing is not good, so it is not possible to have a telephone conversation with her, so it is reassuring to read the daily visit reports and know that all is well. If anything is wrong, they make contact immediately, and we decide the best course of action to take for Mum.
Sheelagh A

The carers are really good with Dad as they have to put up with him quite often having no clothes on and some very unpleasant mess to clean up at times, but they do it all with good humour and thoroughness.
Recently I had to give up my three visits a week at short notice to look after my husband and also self isolate due to the covid virus. The office staff could not have been more helpful in covering for me until we all get over this horrible time, and I can restart my visits.
The carers who come to Dads are very caring and look after him as if he was one of their family.
Gloria L

Home Instead caregivers have done a wonderful job in caring and supporting my mum over the last few months, not only because of the COVID-19 lockdown situation but just as the lockdown came into place Mum had an operation so they had to support the six to eight weeks recovery period which required gradual changes to the care/support needed as the weeks went on. Recovery went well then Mum had a small fall which meant Mum lost confidence, the caregivers have gradually built her confidence up. They have been there when we need them to be with Mum and had no problems with the service provided.
The office staff and management have been fabulous too with managing the changes, even at short notice before/after the operation, they have also kept me informed when Mum has down days so I am aware not just via the family portal but contacting me directly.
Overall Home Instead are doing a great job and has taken the pressure off me during these unusual times, I wouldn’t hesitate to refer them to others.
Lynne

My grandmother has been having Home Instead for several years and they have been very flexible when she has required more and less care due to illness. She is 93 years old and is looking so well and I put this down to the care and kindness that she receives from the caregivers that visit her daily.
Lisa H

We have used Home Instead for over five years. The care, support and kind efficiency has been constant. Since my husband died, I have kept the Home Instead carer, without whom I could not cope. An excellent organisation.
Jocelyn J

My mother has been with Home Instead for a few years now and has been fortunate to have had the same carers for the last two years with the occasional stand-in when her regular carers are not available. Mum has been very satisfied with them all and naturally has become friends with her regular carers who do go the extra mile for her. Mum has great respect and trust in her carers which gives me peace of mind since I do live quite a distance from her. Mum could not live in her own home without the carers and looks forward to their visits. I have also got to know the carers during my regular visits and I have found them to be very professional, obliging and approachable. It is good to know that the manager does her regular review visits and Mum feels very comfortable discussing her care and requirements and is quite amenable to have any extra time if needed. I have updates from the manager who keeps me in the loop and I do contact her if I have any concerns or emergencies.
Michael S

Carers are very nice, competent and have a good work ethic. They arrive on time and stay the allotted time and always consult with my mother regarding the tasks and help she requires. She feels very comfortable with her carers and because she knows the same members of staff will be attending she is less anxious than if different people keep turning up, as happens with many other agencies. Also, the management staff have been attentive and responsive in providing a service that suits my mother’s needs. I have no reservation in recommending Home Instead to others.
Peter A

I have one main carer and 3 other carers all who have been excellent in providing my lunches, and when necessary personal care as well as helping with duties around the home. In addition to what they do for me, they have all been good company which is important to me as I am often alone all day while my wife is away working. The office staff have been very accommodating of any changes in the care schedule I might request and have informed me if there are any changes from their end due to sickness or holidays etc.
Martyn C

Home Instead provides a companion to visit my brother who lives in a residential care home. My brother looks forward to and enjoys the visits from the companion. It helps to stimulate his conversation and also it means he has the undivided attention of someone for a few hours.
The Home Instead companion
who visits my brother has got to know and understand him very well over the years. In fact, he knows my brother so well that, he is aware of when my brothers physical or mental well being is in decline. He passes on his observations to the Office Manager and she telephones me to let me know exactly what’s happening. Without Home Instead I wouldn’t know how my brother was. I live 140 miles away from my brother and there are no friends or family close enough to visit him.
Angela P

My carers from Home Instead are very caring, efficient, friendly, punctual, organised and dedicated.
The carers take time in the morning so I can wake up at my own pace.
They treat me as an individual and I enjoy having conversations with them whilst they attend to my needs.
The managers in the office are very approachable and email/ring my daughter promptly if they have any concerns about me.
New staff accompany my usual carer prior to their first visit so I can get to know them first.
Christine K

Home Instead Senior Care (Southampton) have been completely fantastic! I feel totally confident that the caregivers are kind and compassionate towards my father. They have built a really positive relationship with him and I know they are conscientious in their care for him. The communication systems we have in place for both carer to us, the family and the office are excellent.
Laura S

All my caregivers are very kind and friendly. They always arrive on time and are clean and well dressed. Any problems I have they help to sort out for me.
Heather H

Over the past six months two carers, in particular, have cared for my mother 4 hours a week.
Their care, kindness and dedication has been wonderful.
They have done everything (and more) that we have asked of them.
Thank you for their wonderful support and friendship.
Robert S

The meeting was very satisfactory. The care team really care about what they are doing and in my opinion, they make me feel as if my well-being matters. Excellent service!
Margaret M

I have found all staff, management, office and carers to be very nice, kind and caring. My Mum is content and the family is very happy with the car eprovided.
C M

We first employed Home Instead in July 2012. This turned out to be an extremely wise move as we then had a group of superb professionals, with a very caring side to look after my mother during twice daily visits.
The Carers were superb, matched to mother’s personality and totally reliable. The office staff were very much part of the team. Any concerns about mother were quickly passed on to us.
Nancy L

I live 350 miles away from my elderly father in Southampton and have used Home Instead for almost 6 years. Initially for my mum, but for the last 4 and a half years as a companion carer for my dad. Home Instead have spent time in pairing the gentleman carer with my dad and he is excellent. Home Instead and the companion carer give excellent service. I can relax when I know dad is out with him having a safe and pleasant time. Home Instead are only at the end of a phone line for me. Excellent!!
M M

Pulling out all the stops during the recent inclement weather, Home Instead have proved their weight in gold!
The management kept us fully informed whilst their local caregivers went the extra mile to ensure Mum’s care was consistent.
Since her diagnosis, Mum has never been happier, comfy, cosy, clean and well fed and it’s all down to the Home Instead wonderful staff.
They are not the cheapest agency but are one of the best.
Gary W
Tailored Respite Care in Poole
At Home Instead Poole, our respite care service provides family caregivers with the opportunity to take a well-deserved break. We understand how exhausting it can be to care for a loved one while managing a busy schedule, and that’s where we step in.
For example, Simon, one of our clients in Poole, is typically cared for by his wife. However, during the summer holidays, when she visits their children in Poland. Claire, one of our Care Professionals, steps in to provide support.

Get in touch today to
see how we can help
Get in touch Trusted Respite Care from experienced home care professionals in Poole
By choosing our personalised respite care services, you can rest easy knowing that your loved one’s essential care needs are being expertly handled while you take time to recharge.
At Home Instead Poole, all our Care Professionals complete our thorough onboarding training, and they also have support visits to ensure they are providing the best possible care to clients.

FAQs
- Which towns and postcodes do the Poole team service?
Our office provides care for people at home in the following areas:
Parkstone, Ferndown, Canford Heath, Moordown, Branksome, Rossmore, Old Town, Ensbury Park, Oakdale, Branksome Park, East Howe, Lilliput, Wallisdown, Dudsbury, Alderney, Talbot Woods, West Parley, Canford Cliffs, Ensbury, Westbourne, Sandbanks, Longham, Talbot Village, Sterte, Poole, Foxholes, Stanley Green, Northbourne, Bloxworth, Tricketts Cross, Penn Hill, Manning's Heath, Alder Hills, Upper Parkstone, Longfleet, Parley Cross
If your town doesn’t appear above please check the postcodes below to see if we cover your area:
BH4 9, BH9 2, BH17 8, BH15 2, BH12 2, BH14 9, BH3 7, BH17 9, BH22 8, BH22 9, BH12 4, BH14 0, BH15 3, BH13 7, BH4 8, BH12 5, BH10 6, BH14 8, BH12 3, BH12 1, BH17 0, BH10 5, BH10 7, BH15 1, BH13 6, BH10 4
Search here if you cannot see your town or postcode - Is Home Instead Poole a locally owned home care organisation?
Home Instead Poole is one of 250 locally owned offices that collectively form Home Instead UK. Together, we care for 16,000 clients, delivering one million hours of home care each month. This unique combination of community-focused local offices and the resources of a national network enables us to provide personalised, relationship-led care while leading research and innovation that is transforming the experience of aging. Our services include companionship care, personal care, specialist care (including dementia, palliative, and Parkinson’s), and live-in care.
Search here if you cannot see your town or postcode - What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary relief to primary caregivers by offering trained Care Professionals who care for elderly individuals who require care. This temporary support helps caregivers take breaks, manage burnout, and maintain their own well-being while ensuring the safety and comfort of the person receiving ongoing care.
- How does respite care work?
Trained Care Professionals can step in to provide seamless care, allowing current caregivers a break to rest and recharge. Our respite care services take place in the home of the person receiving the care, making it great for giving a break to the primary caregiver while ensuring that the elderly person in care does not go without support in the meantime and can continue their normal life.
- How do I arrange respite care?
Just contact Home Instead and we will arrange a discussion with you to talk about the kind of support you need and how we can help. You can also reach out directly to our local office in your area, if you prefer.
- Who provides respite care?
All respite care is provided by our experienced and fully trained Care Professionals so both the elderly individual receiving care and their loved ones or existing caregivers can take a break while being confident that they have all the support they need.
- I need respite care at short notice, can you help?
At Home Instead we know about the challenges of being a carer and are here to help no matter what your timelines look like. Please contact us so that we can understand more about how we can provide you with the support you need.
- Do I have to go out while respite care is in place?
Not at all! Existing caregivers don’t have to leave the home whilst we are supporting your loved one, so they can take breaks at home if that is their preference.
- What defines a respite period?
A respite period is a specific duration of time during which primary caregivers receive temporary relief from their caregiving responsibilities. This break allows them to rest, recharge, and attend to personal matters, while trained Care Professionals provide ongoing support for the elderly individuals who have been receiving care. The length of a respite period can vary, ranging from a few hours to several days, depending on the arrangement in place and the needs of the primary caregivers.
- Why is respite care important?
Respite care is crucial for family caregivers, offering them a much-needed break from their responsibilities in tending to elderly family members. This temporary relief prevents caregiver burnout, meaning the primary caregiver can maintain their wellbeing and ability to provide effective long-term care. Additionally, respite care enhances the quality of life for many elderly people by introducing them to new experiences and interactions with different Care Professionals, making for novel interactions while still in the comforts of their own home.
- How much does respite care cost?
The cost of respite care can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level and complexity of care provided, and the duration. Generally, respite care expenses can range from hourly rates to daily or weekly fees. There may be financial assistance for respite care services, particularly for caregivers of elderly individuals with disabilities or special needs. It’s a good idea to contact the local NHS or your council to get a clear understanding of the potential sources of financial support available for your situation, if you have concerns.
- Who pays for respite care?
Respite care funding comes from diverse sources; government initiatives, charitable organisations, insurance provision, or just personal payments. Family caregivers can investigate some or all of these avenues to identify the most fitting and cost-effective approach to support respite care for their specific needs and situation.
- What can respite carers do?
Respite Care Professionals can perform a range of tasks to ensure the well-being and comfort of elderly individuals while providing relief to primary caregivers. These tasks include all the normal things covered with ordinary domiciliary care; assisting with daily activities such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and mobility support. Respite Care Professionals may also engage in social interactions, provide companionship, supervise recreational activities, and ensure safety. Their responsibilities are tailored to the care recipient’s specific needs, ensuring continuity of care and support during the temporary relief period for primary caregivers.
- What is respite care for dementia?
Respite care for dementia is a specialised service designed to provide temporary relief and support to caregivers of elderly people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Caregiving for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding, and respite care offers caregivers a chance to rest, recharge, and take care of their own needs. During respite care, trained Care Professionals offer supervision, assistance with daily activities, and a safe environment for those with dementia. The wellbeing of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s is often significantly improved by remaining in a familiar environment, so our domiciliary care approach to deliver respite care at home is often the best solution to keep them calm and comfortable.
- Who is entitled to respite care?
Respite care is typically available to family caregivers and individuals providing support to elderly adults in need of care. Eligibility is determined by factors like caregiving intensity and the care recipient’s requirements, aiming to offer essential breaks and assistance to dedicated caregivers. If you’re a caregiver looking for respite support, please contact us to see how we can help you.
- Who needs respite care?
Respite care is needed for primary caregivers who are taking care of elderly family members, offering them essential breaks to prevent exhaustion and maintain their own health. Elderly individuals, whether living alone or with caregivers, can also benefit from respite care to ensure some companionship, assistance with daily activities, and medical supervision, for example for post-operative recovery periods or temporary feeding support.
- What is in-home respite care?
In-home respite care is a valuable service designed to provide temporary relief and support to primary caregivers within the familiar setting of their own home. This type of respite care involves trained Care Professionals who come to the primary caregiver’s residence to care for their loved one. In-home respite care offers caregivers a chance to take a break, tend to personal matters, or simply recharge while knowing that their loved one is in capable hands. During these sessions, the respite care provider offers companionship, assistance with daily tasks, and, if necessary, medical supervision. In-home respite care not only benefits caregivers by preventing burnout but also helps maintain a sense of normalcy and comfort for the care recipient.
- What is the purpose of respite care?
The purpose of respite care is to offer temporary relief and support to caregivers who are responsible for elderly family members. Caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding, often leading to stress and burnout. Respite care provides caregivers with essential breaks, allowing them to rest, recharge, and tend to their own well-being, while ensuring that the elderly person receiving care still has all the support they need.
- How long can Respite Care last?
The duration of respite care can vary depending on the needs of the caregiver and the individual receiving care. Respite care can be as short as a few hours, providing caregivers with a temporary break to run errands or recharge. It can also extend to several days or even weeks, allowing caregivers to take a more extended break or address personal matters. Some caregivers may need emergency or crisis respite care for shorter periods, while planned or scheduled respite care may be for a more extended period of time.
- When do you know if you need more than respite care?
You might need more than respite care if the care recipient’s needs become increasingly complex, you experience persistent caregiver burnout, safety concerns arise, your health deteriorates despite respite care, social needs go beyond the scope you can handle, specialist medical or complex care is required, or long-term planning becomes necessary such as, for example, situations necessitating palliative care.
- What is short term respite care?
Short-term respite care refers to a temporary break or relief provided to primary caregivers of elderly individuals in need of care. During short-term respite care, trained Care Professionals take over the caregiving responsibilities, allowing the primary caregiver to rest, recharge, and attend to personal matters. This type of care can range from a few hours to several days, offering caregivers a brief respite while ensuring the care recipient’s well-being and safety.
- Respite care at home vs residential respite care
Respite care can be divided into two primary types: respite care at home and residential respite care. In the former, caregivers are supported by trained Care Professionals who provide assistance with daily tasks, such as personal care and meals, within the care recipient’s familiar environment. Residential respite care, on the other hand, involves the temporary relocation of the care recipient to a specialised facility, like a nursing home, where they receive comprehensive care and supervision from the facility’s staff. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs and preferences of the caregiver and the senior receiving the care.
- How to get respite care for a parent
To organise respite care for an elderly parent, start by evaluating the specific type and length of care required. Seek guidance from your parent’s healthcare provider for tailored recommendations around specific or complex care requirements, then just get in touch with us or your local office to discuss your needs. Consider a trial period to ensure compatibility and maintain ongoing communication during the care period to ensure your parent’s well-being while you take a caregiving break.
- How to get respite care for a dementia patient
To organise respite care for a patient with dementia or Alzheimer’s, ensure you are dealing with a provider like Home Instead, who can offer specialist support with experienced carers who know how to support these conditions. Discuss the specific needs of the dementia patient, such as any medical requirements, daily routines, and preferences. It’s essential to communicate openly and provide relevant information to ensure a smooth transition and quality care for the individual with dementia while the primary caregiver takes a break.
- How to get emergency respite care
To arrange emergency respite care with Home Instead, please get in touch with us on 03300 583450 or via our contact form. If you are a long term caregiver for an elderly loved one, it is a good idea to have a list of care providers and funding options researched and available early on so it is “ready to go” if an emergency arises, when time is of the essence.
- How to get funding for respite care
To secure funding for respite care, you can explore various avenues. Start by researching government programs like the Carer’s Allowance, which provides financial support to those caring for someone in need. Additionally, local authorities often offer grants or support through social services departments. Charitable organisations like Carers UK and The Carers Trust may provide financial assistance or guidance. You can also consider seeking private funding through personal savings, local support groups, or seeking assistance from family and friends. Tailor your approach based on your specific circumstances and the resources available in your region.
- What are examples of respite care?
Examples of respite care include in-home respite, such as the type we provide, where a trained Care Professional comes to the individual’s home to provide care while the primary caregiver takes a break. Another type is adult day care centres, offering structured programs and supervision for seniors or adults with disabilities during the day, giving caregivers time for work or personal activities. Finally, residential respite care involves temporary stays in facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living communities, allowing caregivers to take extended breaks.
- What does home respite care do?
Home respite care provides primary caregivers of elderly individuals receiving care the opportunity to take a temporary break while ensuring their loved ones still receive proper care. A trained Care Professional visits the person’s home to provide assistance, companionship, and support. During this time, caregivers can recharge, attend to personal matters, or simply take a moment to rest. Home respite care can include various activities such as medication management, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and engaging the care recipient in recreational or therapeutic activities. This service not only offers physical assistance but also emotional relief, knowing that their loved ones are in capable hands.
- What are the disadvantages of respite care?
Respite care, while beneficial, can have some drawbacks. Disruption to routines can unsettle care recipients, especially those with cognitive issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Finding reliable providers can be challenging, and costs can be high depending on the needs of the individual. Coordinating care logistics is time-consuming, and caregivers might feel guilty or anxious about handing over responsibilities. Caregivers should carefully consider these disadvantages when planning respite care.
- How does respite care support family members?
Respite care serves as a crucial support system for family members caring for elderly loved ones. By providing temporary relief, it allows caregivers to take a break from their demanding responsibilities, reducing the risk of burnout and exhaustion. This time away can rejuvenate caregivers physically and emotionally, helping them maintain their own well-being. It also offers an opportunity for caregivers to attend to personal matters, socialise, or simply rest, which can contribute to improved mental health; caregivers who are less stressed and more rested are better equipped to offer effective care when they return, which actually improves the quality of care offered to the loved one overall.
- How does respite care provide quality care?
Respite care contributes to providing quality care by ensuring that primary caregivers are in the best possible condition to deliver support. When caregivers are well-rested and less stressed due to the temporary relief provided by respite care, they can offer more focused attention and patience to their loved ones. This directly impacts the care recipient’s experience, as they benefit from a caregiver who is emotionally and physically available. Even better, our Care Professionals bring specialised training and expertise, enhancing the care provided during their temporary assistance. A multidimensional approach improves the overall quality of care received, enriching the care recipient’s daily life, and fostering a more positive caregiving environment for everyone involved.
Reach out and talk to the Poole team today
Enable your loved ones to continue to live their life with the support of the Poole team. If you would like more information about our high quality Respite Care service, please call us on 01202 133983, or fill out the form below.

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