Paying for respite care

Respite care can be paid for in different ways. The rules in England are set out in the Care Act 2014, and the council is the place to start.

Help from the council

The council may arrange or pay for respite after looking at the needs of:

• The person being cared for, through a care needs assessment
• The carer, through a carer’s assessment

If respite is agreed, the council will usually carry out a financial assessment of the person who receives the care, to see if they should contribute. For a short stay in a care home, the value of their own home is not counted.

Paying yourself

If you arrange and pay for respite yourself, ask the care home for its weekly fee for a short stay and what it includes.

Benefits

The person being cared for may get Attendance Allowance, which can help pay for care. A carer may get Carer’s Allowance. A benefits check from Age UK or Citizens Advice can help you find what you are entitled to.

Charities

Some charities offer grants or free short breaks for carers. Carers UK and local carers’ organisations can point you to what is available in your area.

NHS

If the person qualifies for NHS continuing healthcare, the NHS may arrange and pay for respite as part of their care.

Ask early

Respite stays depend on rooms being available, and council processes take time. Ask well before you need a break.

To ask about a respite stay at Cedar House, call 01375 768505 or send us a message.