If you are caring for a relative, you probably have not had a full night’s sleep or an uninterrupted week in a long time. You may have stopped seeing friends. You may feel guilty even reading this page.
Taking a break is not a failure of love. Carer exhaustion is the most common reason a home care arrangement collapses and someone ends up in residential care permanently, often sooner than they needed to. Resting is part of caring well, not a departure from it.
What respite care looks like
- A few hours a week — regular time for yourself, an appointment, or simply a walk without listening for the door
- A day at a time — while you work or catch up on everything you have been putting off
- Overnight and waking nights — so you get an unbroken night’s sleep
- A week or more — live-in respite so you can take an actual holiday
- Emergency respite — if you are ill, admitted to hospital, or something happens
Why home respite often works better than a respite bed
The traditional option is a short stay in a care home. For some people that suits well. But for someone with dementia, a temporary move to an unfamiliar building can cause confusion that lingers long after they come back.
Respite at home means your relative does not move at all. Their environment, routine and belongings stay exactly as they are. Only the person providing the support changes.
Cost and funding
The cost depends on how much support you need and how often. After a free, no-obligation assessment we give you a clear, itemised quote — no pressure and no hidden extras. Call 01582 453 800 and we will talk it through honestly.
- A carer’s assessment from Luton Borough Council is free and looks at your needs as a carer, separately from your relative’s. It can result in funded respite. Very few carers know they can ask for one.
- Carer’s Allowance may be payable if you provide 35+ hours of care a week
- Direct payments can be used for respite
- Carers UK and Carers in Bedfordshire offer free advice and support
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance do I need to book?
For planned respite, two to four weeks is ideal, especially over summer and Christmas. For emergencies, call us and we will do our best.
Will my mum be alright with a stranger?
It is the first worry every family has. We arrange an introductory visit beforehand, and we give the carer a full picture of your relative’s preferences, history and routine so they do not arrive cold.
I feel guilty about this.
Almost every family carer says so. The families who arrange regular respite are generally the ones who manage to keep their relative at home longest.
Take the break
Call 01582 453 800 or get in touch. Even if you are not ready yet, having it arranged means you can use it when you need it.