Factors That Influence the Cost of Respite Care
Respite care costs can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of care required, the area you’re located, and whether care is provided in a residential setting, day centre or at home.
Weekly respite care costs in the UK typically range from £700 to £1,500, though these figures can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
If your favoured option is in-home respite care, this can be provided either as hourly care, where a carer will visit you or your loved one throughout certain intervals during the week, or as live-in care, where the carer will live in your home for a short-term ranging between two to eight weeks.
Live-in care is generally more expensive than shorter visits, as the carer will be providing around-the-clock support. However, when comparing this option to respite care in a care home, this can be more cost-effective, while providing the benefits of remaining in the comfort of home.
The type of care and where it is delivered isn’t the only important factor, the level of care can have a significant influence on the overall cost. For example, if you or your loved one is living with a complex condition like Alzheimer’s, two carers may be required, one in the day and one at night, leading to increased costs.
In comparison, if your loved one needs support with meal preparation, personal care and companionship following a recent injury, the total amount will be less.
We advise that you carry out plenty of research to identify the best type of care for you.
Average Costs of Respite Care in the UK
There are many factors that influence the cost of respite care. Here is an outline of the average costs for each service within the UK:
- Domiciliary (hourly care)
Hourly respite care on average in the UK costs anywhere between £23-34 and can be up to £40 in the London area. - Live-in care
According to the NHS, live-in respite care can cost anywhere from £700 up to £1,500, though this is often determined following a care consultation with an expert. - Care home
The average cost of respite care in care homes can range anywhere from £600 to £1,500 per week, similar costs to live-in care without the added benefit of remaining at home. - Day care centre
Day care centres can cost anywhere between £40 and £100 per day, but again can vary based on the location and level of care provided.
How much does respite care cost per day at The Good Care Group?
Our respite home care costs start at £263 per day. The exact price will be determined following a free consultation with one of our care managers to assess your loved one’s needs.
After your free, no-obligation consultation, you will receive a comprehensive care plan which will detail the cost of your respite care at home. Our prices are always straightforward and transparent, with no hidden fees. We also offer discounts for a repeat or a series of respite bookings.
For a bespoke quote, get in touch with us today.
How to Pay for Respite Care
Finding the right type of respite care is important, but so is understanding the financial aspects. Here, we will provide you with advice to help you navigate the costs.
Who pays for respite care?
A frequent question is, ‘Do you have to pay for respite care?’ The majority of our families are paying for their care privately, but if your savings don’t exceed the £23,250 threshold, you may be entitled to funding.
There are several funding options available for respite care in the UK, including social care funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, and self-funding, which can be found on our planning & costs page.
Navigating the various funding options for respite care can be complex, but working with a reputable and experienced home care provider like The Good Care Group can help simplify the process. Our team of care experts can provide guidance and support to help you understand your funding options and access the quality respite care you need.
What does the cost of respite care cover?
- A comprehensive consultation is organised before care begins.
- A bespoke and tailored plan of care created in collaboration with you, your loved ones and our care team.
- Carefully selected care team matched to your holistic needs and preferences.
- Expert regional care manager leading your dedicated care team to ensure continuity of care and high-quality support.
- Assistance with meal planning, household tasks, and other domestic support needs.
- Support for social activities and lifestyle enhancement to promote well-being and enjoyment.
- Emotional support and companionship for you and your loved ones.
- Access to clinical expertise and medical support as needed for additional peace of mind.
- 24/7 specialist support and expertise available whenever you need it.
Does respite care affect benefits?
If you are caring for a loved one for more than 35 hours a week, you may be receiving Carer’s Allowance, a weekly payment to support you in caring for someone. Organising respite care for extended periods may affect your benefits, but short, planned breaks shouldn’t impact this.
Finding Affordable Respite Care & Cost-Saving Tips
✔ Discuss your options as a family: Talking with your loved one to understand their needs and wishes is the first step in finding affordable respite care. This will help you to narrow down your search.
✔ Look at your budget: Start by assessing your budget. Then, explore local authority support and consider a means test to check your funding eligibility.
✔ Plan ahead: It is understandable that respite care can be required in emergency situations, but try research respite care options early on to give yourself time to compare prices and obtain a number of quotes to get the price within your budget.
Talk to us about your respite care needs
Our friendly and experienced team is here to help you and your family make sense of the options available to you.
Call us today – we will help you every step of the way.