Care advice hub

What is respite care?

Respite care is available in a variety of formats, such as in-home, visiting, or residential. It provides short-term support, allowing primary caregivers to take a break for their own well-being, or to address urgent situations like a recent injury or unforeseen family matters.

Discover more about respite care on our ‘What is Respite Care?’ page.

This article addresses common questions about respite care, such as duration, considerations, and planning, to help you and your loved one make an informed decision.

How long can you have respite care?

The length of respite care can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of respite care required, the individual’s needs, and the duration of the break taken by the primary caregiver.

Below are the different types of respite care, and how long they often last.

• Respite care visits: A carer will visit the individual’s home throughout certain intervals in the day or week, this form of respite care can be as short as a few hours.
• In-home respite care: As the carer will be staying within the home, this can range anywhere between two to eight weeks depending on the person’s circumstances.
• Day care respite: Day care respite offers a structured environment where individuals can receive care and support throughout the day, typically for a few hours at a time.
• Residential respite care: Involves staying within a care home for a few days or week. Each care home differs, so it’s best to do some research as stay lengths can differ.

Overall, respite care can be flexible, ranging from a few hours to several weeks. Discussing your loved one’s needs with different care providers and having a care consultation can give you an idea of what to expect.

Is there a limit to how long respite care can last?

Funding sources can influence the length of time someone will receive respite care, especially at home. Many individuals choose in-home respite care as a trial for live-in care, which can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Below we have provided you with some advice on how long self-funding respite care can last in comparison to it being funded by your local council or charity.

How long does self-funded at-home respite care last for?

Self-funded at-home respite care offers a high level of flexibility, allowing families to tailor the service to their specific needs.

When planning respite care, it’s essential to discuss preferred schedules and durations with the provider to ensure expectations are met. Ultimately, the length of care often comes down to budget, as private funding requires families to balance their care needs with what they can realistically afford.

The reasons for seeking respite could include:

1. To take a week off for a holiday: Respite care enables you to enjoy a planned holiday while having peace of mind that your loved one is well cared for.
2. To arrange regular time off each week or month: Regular respite allows for predictable breaks, helping you maintain your own well-being and to reduce the likelihood of caregiver burnout.
3. For short breaksfor personal matters: Respite care provides a few hours of relief for appointments, errands and work responsibilities that you may have.
4. When a longer period of respite is needed: If you require a longer period of respite, due to reasons like extreme burnout, or the need to take an extended trip, this can be organised.
5. For emergency respite: In unforeseen circumstances, emergency respite care can be arranged quickly to provide immediate support, whether that be for a family emergency or injury.

How long does at-home respite care last if funded by a local council or charity

The duration of respite care funded by a local council or charity can vary. Unlike self-funded respite care, there may be less flexibility, as the support is offered based on the individual’s assessed needs.

To find out more about your eligibility and the support available, you can contact your local authority. They will assess your current caregiving situation to determine if you need further assistance. The duration of support, whether short-term or long-term, influences how the council assesses entitlement to financial support.

Charities may have their own limits on respite care duration due to their own budgets and staffing. However, they will try to arrange care for as long as necessary.

Emergency respite care

Emergency respite care demands speed and responsiveness, as it may be needed due to a medical emergency, a fall, or a family crisis. The duration of emergency respite varies depending on individual circumstances but is typically short-term.

At The Good Care Group, we can arrange in-home respite care in under 24 hours. Our fully trained team of professional carers can provide a range of physical, practical, and social support while the primary caregiver is away.

Alternatively, in many emergency situations, another family member or friend can often step in to provide immediate cover. There are many options available, and the best plan can be determined by both you and your loved one.

Learn more in our ‘Guide to Emergency Respite Care’.

Planning for respite care

When planning for respite care, there are a number of steps to consider to help you make the right decision:

Step 1: Assessing your needs

When deciding the respite care options, it is important to assess why you need this, to identify the duration of time this is required, and whether it will be arranged frequently or on a one-off basis. Also, assess your loved ones needs also to make sure the option chosen is suitable for them.

Step 2: Respite care options

Filter the available options to find the most suitable choice for you, considering factors such as your budget and your loved one’s preferences, to determine the best option for both of you.

Step 3: Choose a provider

From there, you can start thorough research on the different providers out there, we recommend that you look at their Care Quality Rating (CQC), their website and reviews online to see about other peoples experiences.

With spring upon us, warmer weather and longer days offer the perfect opportunity for a fresh start, both physically and mentally. Getting outside, reconnecting with the community, and establishing healthy habits are all beneficial.

Regular exercise is key to maintaining overall wellbeing for older adults. However, we understand that mobility-related or cognitive conditions can make establishing a routine difficult.

Support from one of our professional carers, followed by the exercising tips in this blog (ranging from those for limited mobility to cognitive health conditions), can help you or your loved one enjoy these routines.

Exercise not only boosts mood in the short term but also protects against muscle deterioration and builds self-esteem by promoting activity and involvement. Older adults can exercise at home or join a group for added social interaction.

Safety considerations

Exercises should be supervised by a carer or another trained healthcare professional to ensure that your loved one receives adequate support and instruction.

Many live-in carers have occupational therapy experience, and are skilled in physiotherapy techniques. This means that they can review a person’s need, ability and personal preferences in order to support a specific, tailor made programme for the person in their care. The aim is always to help the individual enjoy exercising in a safe manner.

If any of the following symptoms occur during exercise, arrange an appointment with a GP immediately:

• Chest pains
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness

Exercises for people with limited mobility

Many exercises can be done from a seated position, but exercise in water can also be beneficial as it supports body mass and reduces strain on muscles.

These are some of the exercises that a healthcare professional may recommend for your loved one:

• Neck rolls: Place chin on chest, then roll it round to their left shoulder and back five times – repeat to the right shoulder.
• Arm stretches: Put arms out in front of them, link hands, then slowly raise and lower the arms above the head five times.
• Side twist: Turn the upper body to the side of the chair/wheelchair and hold for five seconds before repeating on the other side.
• Swimming: Try assisted low-impact swimming, using a comfortable range of strokes.
• Knee lifts: Hold the sides of the chair and lift each knee slowly in succession, holding for as long as is comfortable (around three seconds) before repeating.
• Leg circles: Raise the leg and use it to draw circles with the foot for 10 seconds, before repeating with the other leg.

Exercises for people with cognitive health conditions

These exercises provide an overview of the types of exercises that health professionals may recommend for the earlier and latter stages of dementia:

Early stages

• Walking: Walking is the simplest form of exercise and can help people get out of the house. It can also help maintain levels of social interaction.
• Dancing: The enjoyment of nostalgic tunes can help reduce feelings of anxiety, agitation and depression in people with dementia. Dancing adds a gentle element of exercise and social interaction.
• Swimming: When supervised, the sensation of water can be a soothing and relaxing experience.
• Indoor bowls: Joining an indoor bowls club is a great option for people who have enjoyed competitive sport, offering both health and social benefits.

• Bed shuffle: Shuffling from one end of the bed to the other in a seated position can help to strengthen core muscles.
• Balancing: From a standing position (with support if necessary), balance on one leg for 5 – 10 seconds before switching.
• Unsupported sitting: Sit unsupported for a few minutes each day (with supervision) to strengthen stomach and back muscles.

Find out how The Good Care Group can help your loved one stay active and independent, even as their needs change over time.

No one can foresee an emergency – especially when you’re caring for a loved one. There may be occasions when you need immediate support to ensure they continue to receive the care they deserve.

Emergency respite care is designed to provide a safety net during these critical moments. It offers a temporary care solution when unexpected circumstances arise.

Whether it’s illness, an accident or an urgent situation that requires immediate attention, understanding the available options can ensure you’re prepared and provide peace of mind.

In this guide, we’ll guide you through the types of emergency respite care on offer, how to access help in an emergency, and the steps to take to plan for unforeseen care needs.

What is Emergency Respite Care?

Emergency respite care is a form of temporary care arranged at short notice for people cared for at home. It allows caregivers to take a temporary break while the person they care for continues to receive proper support.

This form of respite care can be provided in a variety of settings, such as the family home, a hospice or care home, or even in a hospital. It depends on the individual’s needs and the urgency of the situation.

Types of Emergency Respite Care

There are a number of different types available, with each catering to specific needs and situations. They include:

•  Emergency Live-in Respite Care: A professional caregiver stays in the home to provide round-the-clock support. It ensures the person is cared for in familiar surroundings, so less disruption to existing routines. This live-in respite care option is ideal for those who require more intensive support with a complex health condition.
• Emergency Visiting Respite Care: It’s provided in the home, but for a set number of hours. Typically,a carer will visit on a daily basis to support medication management and personal care and to provide companionship while the regular carer takes a break. Its flexibility makes it a suitable choice for people who’re still very independent.
• Residential Emergency Respite Care: For individuals who require round-the-clock care, short-term stays in a care home can be an option. This provides a safe environment where individuals can receive professional care while caregivers take a break. Emergency stays in care homes can be more expensive than a home-based solution, however.
• Hospital-based Emergency Respite Care: When a medical situation arises that requires urgent attention, hospital-based care may be necessary. Hospitals are equipped to handle immediate medical needs and provide the required care until the situation stabilises.
  Some services offer daytime care, where the person receives support for a few hours each day. This option is ideal for caregivers who need to take a very short unforeseen break – for example, just a morning or an afternoon.

Planning for Emergencies

It’s absolutely crucial to plan ahead for emergency respite care. You may not be able to predict when an emergency may occur, but you can be prepared. Having an emergency care plan in place means caregivers can act quickly when an unexpected situation arises. Here’s how to prepare:

• Identify Needs: Assess the care needs of your loved one, including medical and personal care requirements, their mobility and personal preferences.
• List Potential Providers: Research local respite care providers and emergency services. Make note of their contact details, availability, and services offered.
• Prepare Key Information: Keep important documents such as medical records, medication schedules and care preferences readily available.
• Establish Communication: Ensure that key family members or friends are informed of the plan, so they can step in if needed.

Accessing Emergency Respite Care

When you need urgent respite care, there are several ways to access support:

• Contact Local Authorities: Local councils in England and Scotland can provide information on emergency respite services and how to access them quickly.
• Health and Social Care Providers: Your GP or other healthcare professionals can refer you to emergency respite care providers in your area.
• Charities and Voluntary Organisations: Some charities offer emergency respite care, especially in crisis situations, and can often arrange support at short notice.
• Emergency Respite Care Providers: Many specialised care agencies, like The Good Care Group, offer emergency respite services. They can arrange for experienced caregivers to step in quickly to deliver live-in or visiting care.

Benefits of Emergency Respite Care

Emergency respite care offers several benefits, not only for the caregiver but also for the person receiving care. These include:

• Reduced Stress for Caregivers: Emergency situations provide a significant amount of stress. Having a contingency care provider allows carers to remain safe in the knowledge their loved one is being cared for. This means they can focus on themselves and their own well-being.
• Improved Health and Well-being: The person receiving care is assured of receiving professional and dedicated support, which can also lead to a better quality of life.
• Maintaining Consistency: Emergency respite care helps to avoid disruptions in care routines, ensuring the person’s needs are consistently met.

To learn more about the general benefits of respite care for caregivers, read our ‘Benefits of Respite Care’ guide.

Choosing the Right Emergency Respite Care Provider

Selecting the right emergency respite care provider is crucial to making sure both the caregiver and the person receiving care feel confident and well-supported. Here are some key considerations:

• Assess Experience and Qualifications: Look for a provider with experience in emergency care and qualified staff who can meet the specific healthcare needs of your loved one.
• Check Availability: Make sure the provider can respond quickly when an emergency arises, as timely care is essential.
• Evaluate Care Options: Understand the types of care offered and ensure they align with the needs of your loved one.
• Read Reviews and Testimonials: Seek feedback from other caregivers to gauge the quality of care provided. Case studies and testimonials provide a real-life insight into the support offered.
• Choose a Regulated Provider: Not all providers are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England or Care Inspectorate (CI) in Scotland. Regulated providers are regularly inspected to ensure they meet high standards of care, offering reassurance the care is safe and effective.

The Good Care Group offers a fully-managed, fully-regulated emergency live-in respite care service. We’re rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC and have more than a decade’s worth of experience in supporting elderly people in the home.

Contact our friendly team today to find out more about our emergency respite care service on 0808 2582 787