How Much Does Respite Care Cost?

Understanding the respite care cost is a crucial first step when you need to organise a well-deserved break for yourself or a short-term solution for a loved one. Juggling the emotional side of arranging temporary support with the practical financial questions can feel overwhelming, but getting clear information makes the process much smoother.

This guide is here to help you navigate the costs. We will break down what you can expect to pay for different types of care, explain what respite care services are included, and outline the financial help that may be available. With the right information, you can plan with confidence and find respite care that works for your family.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is a short-term care arrangement that gives a primary, unpaid carer a break from their duties. It ensures the person you care for continues to receive the support they need while you take time to rest, recharge, or attend to other responsibilities. Think of it as a support service for the whole family, preventing carer burnout and promoting well-being for everyone involved.

Taking a complete break is essential for maintaining your own health. A respite care or support can last from a few hours to several weeks. A respite carer can take place in your loved one’s own home, at a local day centre, or during a short stay in a residential setting like a care home. This flexibility allows you to find a solution that fits your unique circumstances.

Typical Respite Care Prices in the UK

When planning for a break, one of the first questions families ask is, "how much is respite care?". The answer can vary significantly based on your location and the level of support needed. To give you a clearer picture of typical respite care prices, let's explore the general figures. The overall cost of respite care is influenced by several key factors.

Many people wonder how much does respite cost on a weekly basis. On average, you can expect to pay between £700 and £1,500 per week. For specialist services like live in respite care or a stay in a nursing home, particularly in areas like London, this figure can be higher. Understanding how much respite care costs helps you budget effectively. The final respite care costs will be outlined in your agreement with a care provider. The average cost reflects the one-to-one support and expertise provided. Be sure to get a clear quote for the specific cost for respite care your loved one needs.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Visiting Care at Home: This is often charged by the hour. Prices typically start from £25-£35 per hour, depending on your location and the time of day.
• Live-in Care at Home: For 24-hour support in the comfort of your loved one's home, prices for live in care generally start from £1,500 per week. This offers a continuous and personalised care solution.
• Residential Respite Care: A short stay in a care home usually costs up to £1,500+ per week. If your loved one needs specialised support, such as for nursing dementia, the cost will likely be higher. The final price depends on the location, the facilities it offers, and the level of nursing care required.

What Services Are Included in the Cost of Respite Care?

When you arrange respite care services, you are paying for professional, reliable support designed to make everyday life easier and safer for your loved one. While the exact services depend on the agreed care plan, the cost typically includes a range of practical help. This ensures continuity of care and peace of mind for you.

Our trained professionals can assist with a wide variety of tasks, including:

• Personal Care: Helping with washing, dressing, and using the toilet with dignity and respect.
• Medication Assistance: Reminding and assisting your loved one to take their medication as prescribed by their GP.
• Meal Preparation: Cooking nutritious meals and ensuring your loved one is eating and drinking well, following any dietary guidance they have received.
• Mobility Support: Assisting with moving around the house safely.
• Household Tasks: Light housekeeping duties like laundry, tidying, and washing up.
• Companionship: Providing friendly conversation and social interaction. Many providers also offer befriending services or sitting services for shorter periods.

What Affects the Cost of Respite Care?

When asking how much respite care might be for your loved one, we have to think about several factors that influence the final figure. The price you pay can vary depending on your specific needs and choices. Understanding these elements will help you see why one quote might differ from another and allows you to find the most suitable option for your budget.

When you look at the factors mentioned below, you can see how a personalised care plan is created:

• Level of Need: The more support a person requires, the higher the cost. For example, someone who needs help with mobility and personal care will have different costs from someone who primarily needs companionship. Complex needs, such as advanced dementia respite care where specialised medical support is required from district nurses, will also affect the price.
• Type of Respite Care: The cost differs between a care assistant visiting for a few hours, full-time live-in care, or a stay in a residential care home.
• Location: Care costs are generally higher in London and the South East compared to other parts of the UK.
• Urgency: If you need to arrange care at very short notice, you may face higher costs for emergency respite care. Planning ahead can often help you secure better rates.
• Duration: The length of the respite period will naturally impact the total cost. Some providers may offer slightly lower daily rates for longer respite breaks. Be sure to ask about any hidden costs before finalising your arrangements.

Who Pays for Respite Care?

Working out who pays for respite care is a common concern for families. The responsibility can fall to the person receiving care, the local authority, or a combination of sources. There are several funding options available, and eligibility depends on your loved one’s financial situation and care needs.

Council Funding

Your local council or social services department may help pay for respite care. To access this support, your loved one will need to have a needs assessment. This assessment determines the level of support they require. As their carer, you are also entitled to a carer's assessment, which evaluates the impact caring has on you and what support could help you.

If these assessments show that your loved one is eligible for support, the council will then conduct a financial assessment (also known as a means test). This looks at their income and savings to determine how much they should contribute to their care costs.

• Capital Limits: In England, if your loved one has savings over £23,250, they will usually be expected to pay for their own care through self funding. If they have between £14,250 and £23,250, they will likely contribute towards the cost. Below £14,250, they may receive significant financial support.
• Direct Payments: If eligible for council funding, you might be offered direct payments. This gives you the money directly so you can arrange respite care yourself, giving you more choice over your care provider. You can also be given personal budgets to manage.

NHS Funding

In some cases, the NHS may provide NHS funding for respite care through NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). This is for people with complex, intense, or unpredictable medical needs. Eligibility is strict, and not everyone with a long-term illness will qualify. This type of funding can sometimes provide free respite care.

Benefits and Allowances

Make sure your loved one is claiming all the benefits they are entitled to. Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people over state pension age who need help with personal care. This can be used to help pay for care. As a carer, you may be eligible for Carer's Allowance if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week.

Charities and Grants

Don't forget to look into support from local charities. Organisations like the Carers Trust and your local carers centre or local carers trust service can provide information on grants and other forms of support. They can help you explore ways to fund respite care, especially if you are not eligible for council funded respite care and are using your own funds. This support is based on your personal circumstances.

Conclusion

Figuring out the respite care cost involves looking at your loved one’s specific needs, your location, and the types of respite care you choose. While costs can seem high if you pay for your own respite care, financial support from your local authority, the NHS, or charities can often help. The most important thing is to have a needs assessment and a carer's assessment to unlock any available funding.

At Tiggo Care, we provide personalised and in-home respite support in the comfort of your loved one’s home. We work with you to create a care plan that respects their routine and preferences, ensuring they receive the best possible support while you take a break. Our home care services including respite services are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and positive experience, allowing you to take a break with complete peace of mind.

Our goal is to make the process to arrange care as simple and stress-free as possible, giving you total peace of mind. Give yourself peace of mind knowing your loved one is safe and supported. Contact Tiggo Care now to discuss respite care options that work for you.