Respite care is temporary care for elders or individuals when their normal carers are not available. Respite care, or a carers respite, is typically used as part of recovery after an accident, illness or surgery when regular carers need a break, or additional specialised support is required.

This type of care is available to keep the recipient at home and without disturbing their routine or taking them from their familiar surroundings. The person you look after will receive expert temporary care at home instead of in a care home.

Caring for another person can be physically and mentally demanding, and much more than purely handling the day-to-day tasks. Especially when caring for long periods at a time, the emotional strain can take its toll. Respite care provides your main carer with a temporary break while ensuring your care needs are met. The types of respite care available will ensure that those receiving care will have their requirements met by our expert carers and management team, whilst you look after yourself.

What does a respite career do?

Your chosen respite carer is there to do all the things you normally do.

Your carer’s daily tasks could involve:

• Nursing care needs, such as catheter or continence support
• Personal care, including dressing, showering, and toileting
• Mobility support, helping your loved one move around the house
• Administering medication at the correct times
• Ongoing companionship and emotional support
• Cooking meals and fetching the food shopping
• Housekeeping, including washing and drying clothes
• Arranging visits out, for a break or to see family and friends
• Feeding and caring for pets if you have any

Respite carers also follow the routines you or a loved one are used to. For those living with conditions such as dementia, this consistency of care is incredibly important. In being members of the Dementia Action Alliance, we’re constantly striving for the best possible support for people with dementia or alzheimers disease. Our care teams are trained to help them follow the routine they are comfortable with.

Our respite careers all undertake extensive training. This training occurs at one of our regional training centres or at one of our local visiting care branches. We ensure that our careers have all the skills needed to help your friend or relative feel supported in the short time you’re away.