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Who pays for respite care: an overview
Respite care is typically paid for either by your local council or yourself. Whether you qualify for council-funded respite care depends on your personal circumstances, including your own finances and the level of care your loved one requires. If you have the necessary funds and can afford respite care, it is likely that you will be expected to pay for this care using your own finances.
A financial assessment will determine if you're eligible for financial support towards the cost of respite care. Many carers don't realise that they may qualify for assistance, especially when providing care for an elderly relative or someone living with dementia.
Get in touch about our Respite care service
How much will you have to pay for respite care?
The cost of respite care varies depending on several factors, including the type of respite care, where the care will be given and the length of care needed. Respite care costs typically range between £500 and £1,500 per week, but may be higher or lower based on specific care needs. The greater the level of care that is needed, the higher the care costs are likely to be.
Finding out how much respite care costs for your specific situation is important for budgeting and planning purposes. Here's a breakdown of average cost estimates for different types of respite care:
- Care in a care home: Residential respite care in a care home typically costs between £800-£1,500 per week
- Dementia respite care: Specialised dementia care may cost an additional £100-£200 per week due to the enhanced support required
- Home care services: Care at home can range from £20-£30 per hour depending on location and care required
- Live-in respite care: Having a care worker live in your home temporarily can cost £800-£1,400 per week
- Day centres: Day care options cost approximately £80 per day
- Overnight care: Providing care during the night hours may add £100-£150 to daily rates
At Ashberry Care Homes, we offer experienced and personalised respite care with respite care costs starting from just £995 per week. Our care homes offer comprehensive respite services tailored to individual needs, whether you need emergency respite care or a planned respite stay.
Types of Respite Care and Their Costs
Understanding the different types of respite care available can help you choose the option that best suits your needs and budget:
Respite Care in a Care Home
A temporary stay in a residential care home provides comprehensive support with personal care, meals, activities, and 24-hour assistance. This type of respite care works well for carers who need a complete break. The cost of respite care in a care home typically includes accommodation, meals, and all care services.
Care at Home
Home care agencies can provide respite by sending home carers to visit your loved one in the comfort of your own home. This type of care can be arranged for a few hours daily or weekly. The average cost for home care services starts at around £20 per hour, with potential extra costs for weekends or specialised care.
Live-in Respite Care
For more intensive support, live-in respite care provides a dedicated care worker who stays in your home to provide round-the-clock assistance. Live-in respite care costs more than hourly visits but offers comprehensive support.
Day Centres
Day care services provide supervision and activities outside the home during daytime hours. These respite services typically cost £50-£100 per day and may include transport to and from the centre.
Dementia Respite Care
Specialised dementia respite care is available for those living with dementia. This care requires staff with specific training and experience in dementia care, which can affect the care fees. The best respite care for someone with dementia includes consistent routines and familiar surroundings.
Funding and Support for Respite Care
If you cannot afford to pay for respite care, you may qualify for financial support. To get funding for respite care, speak to your local authority to arrange a carer's assessment and financial assessment. At the same time, request a care needs assessment to determine the level of care your loved one requires.
Following each assessment, you will be provided with a care plan that may include respite care. You will then be in a position to arrange care or ask the council to do this for you.
Local authorities may contribute towards the cost of respite based on:
- Your financial situation
- The person's care needs
- The type of care required
You may also qualify for a Carer's Trust grant, which you can apply for through your local service. Social services can provide information about available funding options in your area.
Some care funding options to explore include:
- Local council support
- NHS funding for certain medical conditions
- Charitable organisations
- Benefits and allowances
How to Arrange Respite Care
To arrange respite care:
- Contact your local council for a needs assessment
- Explore different care providers and respite care options
- Consider the specific care your loved one needs
- Check if the care provider can accommodate special requirements
- Plan ahead whenever possible, though emergency respite care can be arranged when needed
When choosing a respite care service, consider factors like location, facilities, quality of care, and whether they offer the specific care your loved one requires, such as nursing care or dementia care.
Hidden Costs to Consider
When budgeting for respite care, be aware of potential hidden costs such as:
- Travel costs to and from care facilities
- Additional charges for specialised care
- Extra costs for activities or outings
- Fees for specific medical equipment
Always ask the care provider for a detailed breakdown of all costs involved to avoid unexpected expenses.
To Help Summarise...
If you can afford to pay for respite care, this is something you will need to pay for from your own funds. The costs of care will depend on the type of care, location, and specific needs.
If you do not have available funds, arrange for a carer's assessment and financial assessment, as well as a needs assessment of your loved one, through your local council. They will determine how much financial support you qualify for to help pay for care.
Respite care is an essential service for carers, providing necessary breaks while ensuring your loved one receives quality care. Understanding respite care costs and funding options helps make this valuable support accessible when you need it most.
Enquire Today
At Ashberry Care Homes, we provide invaluable respite by caring for your loved one in one of our care homes across the UK. Our residential care homes offer short-term stays with all the benefits of our full-time care services, including personal care, nursing care, and specialised dementia care.
To discover more about our respite care services, contact us today. Our team is ready to discuss how we can meet your loved one's care needs and provide you with the break you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Respite Care
How do I get funding for respite care?
Contact your local council for a financial assessment to determine if you qualify for social care funding. Many carers are eligible for help with the cost, especially if the person receiving care is past state pension age. Charity grants are also available to fund respite care for those with limited finances.
What's the difference between home care and care home respite?
Live-in care provides support in your own home with a professional temporarily moving in, costing £800-£1,300 weekly. Staying in a care home offers 24-hour support with all care needs met by staff. Local care providers can advise which respite service best suits your situation based on the level of care required.
Are respite holidays available through care services?
Yes, respite holidays combine a break with professional support. These typically cost more than standard respite care but offer valuable social benefits. Intermediate care is different—it's a short-term NHS service focusing on rehabilitation after hospital discharge, whilst respite care is needed primarily to give carers a break.
