No matter the length of the respite care, the person you care for will have all of their needs met and catered for for the duration. 

How Long Can Respite Care Last?

Respite care typically lasts between one and two weeks, depending on your needs. Respite care can be made available whenever necessary, whether it’s planned in advance – such as a holiday – or an unplanned situation like a family emergency. The respite care will be provided by skilled, experienced professionals who will take care to continue the hard work of the usual carer, following all of the care receiver’s schedules and routines. 

What is the Difference Between Respite Care and Hospice Care?

Respite care is provided mainly for the benefit of the carer – allowing them to take care of themselves or other aspects of their life without the person they care for losing that vital support. 

Hospice care is provided for people with terminal illnesses, looking after them until the end of their life. This doesn’t mean that a person receiving hospice care is always confined to bed or has to stay in the hospice itself – people with incurable illnesses may often have spells of feeling well, and at these times they are allowed to leave the hospice temporarily. 

When someone is in receipt of hospice care, all their needs are taken care of, from medical requirements to social fulfillment. This type of care is designed to give terminally ill people the best possible standard of living until they pass away. 

Who Pays for Respite Care in a Nursing Home? Can You Get Free Respite Care?

Respite care is means-tested, so depending on your situation, you may be able to receive funding from your local council. The means testing can also include the person you care for, so it’s possible that you or they may have to provide a financial contribution to the respite care service. 

Carers who work more than 35 hours a week and care for someone with certain benefits may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance. To make a claim for Carer’s Allowance, you need to contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit – you can do so by clicking here.

How Can I Arrange for Respite Care?

Respite care is often arranged as a result of a carer’s assessment. If the assessment of the carer or the person in your care shows that respite care is required, then your local council should arrange for respite care. If you regularly provide care for somebody, then you are entitled to a carer’s assessment. 

You can apply for a needs assessment by clicking here – this will put you in contact with your local social services provider so that your requirements can be assessed.

Bondcare have care homes across the country where we can provide the highest standard of respite care. With qualified staff and warm, welcoming residential and nursing homes, we have the perfect environment to welcome the person you care for. You can browse our respite care homes below – please contact your local Bondcare care home to find out more about our respite care services.