Respite Care 101: What It Is and How to Ask for Help

Caring for a loved one can be extremely rewarding, but it’s important that you continue to look after your own wellbeing and recognise when you might be reaching burnout. Taking time for yourself does not mean you’re letting down your loved one, in fact, taking the time to physically and mentally rest means you will be able to provide better care in the long run. In this blog, we’ll be looking at what respite care can look like, why you might need it and how to ask for help.

What Does Respite Mean?

Respite care is a type of temporary care that can be necessary for a number of reasons. It is designed to give primary caregivers a temporary break from their caregiving responsibilities while ensuring that the person receiving care continues to be safe and supported. It is also a great option for people who have just been discharged from hospital and are in recovery. Other reasons for respite care include a carer becoming unwell and unable to look after their loved one, or using it to trial a care home, to see what life is like before making a longer-term decision.

Respite care is commonly used by families caring for older adults, individuals with disabilities or people with chronic illnesses. It can be given in a number of different places, such as the person’s home, a care home or a day centre, and it may last from a few hours to several days or even months. Temporary care helps prevent caregiver burnout, reduces stress on the individuals and their relationships, and promotes overall wellbeing for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

Types of Respite Care

At-Home Care

One option for respite care is at home care, which is when a care worker visits a person in their own home to give extra support with personal care such as washing, dressing and meal preparation. They can also help administer medication and support with any clinical needs. 

Live-in care can also be arranged if your loved one needs 24-hour support, for example, someone in the mid to late stages of dementia who might become a risk to themselves if living alone. This can be a great option for those with requiring support who are living on their own and would prefer to stay at home. The downsides of this is that 24-hour live-in care can be expensive and puts the individual at risk of loneliness and isolation if they do not leave their home.

Day Centres

As the name suggests, day centres are establishments where carers can drop their loved ones off for a whole day or just a few hours. Individuals visiting the day centre can relax in a safe environment, make use of the social opportunities and take part in stimulating therapies and activities such as arts & crafts, games and outings into the local area. Meanwhile, carers have a chance to take some time for themselves or run errands such as grocery shopping without worrying about their loved one. These day centres can be booked regularly too, so that carers can get a scheduled weekly break.

Short-term care home stays

Many care homes offer short-term stays where guests can have access to all the facilities and support that full-time residents receive. There is often a minimum length of stay, for example, at Beechgrove Care Home, a minimum length of stay of 3 weeks is necessary to allow residents to feel settled and get the most out of our support. This gives carers a chance to fully relax and reset, and even go on holiday with the peace of mind that their loved one is being cared for by highly-trained experts.

The 24/7 nursing support offered in a care home means that individuals with varying needs can receive the exact level clinical and personal care they require, whether that’s residential care or more hands-on support such as nearing or dementia care. The social aspect of a care home is also a huge benefit, along with mentally stimulating activities and entertainment included in their stay. In a luxury care home, guests can also make use of facilities such as a hair salon, private gardens and cinema room, making their respite care stay an exciting, enjoyable experience. Respite care stays in care homes are offered based on bed availability. 

Other Types of Respite Care

Other types of respite care include befriending or sitting services, usually run by charities, where volunteers visit individuals to simply socialise and take part in activities; this does not usually include personal care. Respite holidays are offered by some organisations such as MindForYou for people living with dementia and their families to enjoy a break together.

How Do I Get Respite Care?

Finding the right respite care can feel overwhelming at first, but there are several straightforward ways to start your search and identify the best support for your situation.

Start with a Local Online Search

A simple online search is often the quickest first step. Try using terms such as “respite care South Lanarkshire” or “respite for carers in Lanark.” Adding your town or council area helps narrow down services near you. Many local authorities publish lists of approved homecare providers, care homes, and short-break services on their websites, which can give you a useful starting point for making enquiries.

Contact Charities

Charities can offer both practical advice and emotional support. Organisations such as Carers UK provide information about respite options, carers’ rights, and financial support. They may also help you understand what you’re entitled to and guide you through the process of arranging care.

Speak to Your Local Authority

Your local council has a duty to assess carers’ needs and may be able to arrange respite services directly. You can find your local council’s contact details through the official government website.

Requesting a Carer’s Assessment is an important step, as it looks at the impact caring has on your life and identifies what support, including respite, may help. Depending on your circumstances, funding may be available.

If You’re Looking for a Care Home

If you’re considering a short stay in a care home, comparison websites such as Carehome.co.uk allow you to search by location and read reviews from residents and their families. This can help you feel more confident in your choice.

If your local authority is arranging and funding the placement, you still have the right to express a preference for a particular home. However, if the chosen care home costs more than the council’s standard rate, you may need to pay a “top-up fee” to cover the difference.

Paying for Respite Care

Support From Your Local Council

Your local authority may contribute towards the cost of respite care, but this usually follows an assessment process. This might begin with a Carer’s Assessment, which looks at how caring affects your wellbeing and what support could help. Alternatively, your loved one may need a Needs Assessment, which evaluates the level of care they require.

If the council agrees that respite care is needed, they will then carry out a financial assessment (means test). This looks at income, savings, and assets to determine whether the council will fully fund the care, contribute towards it, or ask you to cover the cost yourself. The amount you pay, if anything, will depend on your financial situation.

Respite Care Charities

Some respite services, particularly day centres, are run by local charities. In some cases, some national charities can offer grants to help cover the cost of short breaks. Local charities may also have hardship funds or small grants available, so it’s worth researching what support exists in your area.

Paying for Respite Care Yourself

If you do not qualify for council funding or prefer to arrange care independently, you can pay for respite care privately. This may be funded through income from pensions or employment, savings or benefits such as Attendance Allowance or other disability-related benefits.

Private funding can offer greater flexibility and choice, particularly if you want a specific provider or shorter-notice arrangements. However, it’s important to consider long-term affordability if you think you may need regular breaks.

Asking For Help

Asking for help with can feel difficult, especially if you’re used to managing everything yourself, but it’s an important and positive step. Caring for a loved one is rewarding, yet it can also be physically and emotionally demanding, and taking regular breaks helps prevent burnout, reduce stress, and protect your own health. When raising the subject, try to be open and honest, whether you’re speaking to family members, friends, your GP, or your local authority.

Respite care is not about stepping away from responsibility, but about making sure you can continue providing the best possible care long term. Short breaks can improve your wellbeing, strengthen your relationship with the person you care for and even benefit them too, as respite care can offer social interaction, new activities and professional clinical and emotional support. Asking for help is not a sign of failure, it’s a proactive way to ensure both you and your loved one are supported.

Respite Care in South Lanarkshire

If you’re in need of a break and want the best for your loved one while you rest, Beechgrove Care Home is a brilliant option in South Lanarkshire. Our compassionate staff are dedicated to making sure your loved one feels at home and comfortable and our range of luxury facilities and engaging activities make stays at our care home a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Please get in touch with our friendly care experts today to chat about how we can support you and your family.