Respite care allows you to take a much-needed break from your caring duties, safe in the knowledge that a qualified professional will take care of everything while you’re away.
In this post we’ll discuss the different types of respite care, and the factors that can affect how long the respite lasts.
How Long Can Respite Care Last?
Depending on the type of care you choose, respite care can last for a few hours, a few days, or even for a few weeks.
The Different Types of Respite Care
- Home Care – A qualified carer will visit your home to look after the person you care for. This usually lasts for a few hours, and there can be a number of visits throughout the week
- Day Care – The person you care for will spend some time at a dedicated care centre, where they’ll take part in various activities and workshops. This form of respite care can last for a full day, and the person you care for can be picked up at the start of the day, and dropped off again at the end
- Residential Care – The person you care for will spend some time at a residential care home, where all of their care needs will be met. This type of respite care can last for a number of days, or even longer
- Respite Holidays – The person you care for will be taken on an extended holiday, which could last for up to a week. Depending on the arrangement, you may or may not accompany the person you care for on this holiday
What Can Affect The Length of Your Respite Care?
- The person’s care needs: If the person you care for has basic care needs, then it will be a relatively simple matter to take a break from caring for them for a few hours at a time. You could even ask friends and family to offer a bit of respite care now and then. But if they have more elaborate care needs, then you will have to make special preparations any time you take a break, to ensure that all their needs are met
- The types of care providers operating in your area: Depending on where you live, there might be different charities and other organisations offering different respite care services. These may be available for a number of hours, or a number of days. We provide wellbeing breaks and live-in respite carers across Surrey, for example
- Your budget: This is probably the most important factor determining how long your respite care can last. Some types of respite care can be provided for free by volunteers, but this will usually only last for a few hours. Long-term care services involving overnight care can cost up to £800 a week, and extended stays in care homes can cost up to £1,500 a week
Funding Your Respite Care
You may be eligible to get funding for some level of respite care. You can apply for a needs assessment and a carer’s assessment. Depending on your situation, and depending on where you live, the council may then pay for a certain amount of respite care.
Some charities also have some funding for respite care services. You may have to apply for a grant, which will allow you to arrange for your own respite care. Head to the Carers Trust and Turn2us for more information about the funding options available in your area.
Read our full guide to paying for your respite care.
Respite Care From Crossroads Care Surrey
At Crossroads Care Surrey, we understand the immense weight of your responsibilities. We believe you deserve a chance to take a break.
With our respite care services, you can entrust your loved one to the compassionate and capable hands of our carer support workers. Meanwhile, you can take some much needed time for yourself, whether for a few hours or a few days.
Find out more and get in touch for a free care and support consultation today.
