What is respite care?

Respite care means someone else takes over caring for a while, so the usual carer can have a break. It can last a few hours, a day, or a week or more.

Why respite matters

Caring for someone, especially someone with dementia, can be exhausting. Regular breaks help carers stay well and keep caring for longer. Respite can also cover times when a carer is ill, in hospital or away.

Kinds of respite

• Sitting services. Someone comes to the home for a few hours so the carer can go out.
• Day services. The person goes to a day centre for part of the day.
• Home care. Paid carers visit or stay to cover some of the care.
• A short stay in a care home. The person stays in a care home for a few days or weeks.

A short stay in a care home

During a respite stay, the person has their own room, meals and care, and can join in activities. For some people it is also a chance to try a care home before thinking about a longer stay.

To help them settle:

• Bring familiar things, such as photos, a cushion or a favourite blanket
• Share their routine, likes and dislikes with the staff
• Visit, if it helps them

Planning ahead

Care homes can only offer a respite stay when a room is free, so it helps to ask early, especially for holidays.

Paying for respite

The council may help pay for respite after a care needs assessment and a carer’s assessment. Read paying for respite care.

Respite at Cedar House

Cedar House was built for older people and people living with dementia. Call us on 01375 768505 to ask about a respite stay.