Respite Care

Respite care is a temporary form of care that allows carers to take a break. By allowing someone else to take over care duties for a short period of time – whether that be a few hours or a few days – can be of great benefit to both the carer and care recipient.

This type of care can be used in a variety of ways and for different reasons, but the overarching purpose of respite care is to allow the primary carer to take a break.

A respite carer performs the same role as the primary carer, so to make this happen effectively, a discussion with the primary care team is essential. This helps ensure continuity in routine, which is important for anyone, but especially for those living with conditions such as dementia. 

  ► Providing a break for family and friends who care for a loved one

  ► A trial period for permanent residential or live-in care

  ► Nursing care support following an operation or illness.

  ► Emergency care if the primary carer because ill or has to be called away at short notice.