Respite live-in care at home

Respite live-in care usually runs from two weeks upwards, and it can be longer if you need it, for example while a family carer recovers from an operation. Let us know your dates and we'll tell you what's possible. Because the carer lives in, your loved one keeps their usual routine at home while you take a proper break, knowing someone is there day and night.

A few weeks ahead is ideal, especially for school holidays, summer and Christmas, when demand is highest. That gives time to match the right carer and arrange a handover before you leave. That said, call us even at short notice, for example if a family carer becomes unwell, and we'll tell you honestly how quickly we can help.

We'll always try. Many families book the same carer for every break, which helps your loved one feel settled and makes handovers quicker. If you know your dates for the year, tell us early so we can ask your preferred carer to keep them free. If they're not available, we'll match someone with similar experience and introduce them before the stay starts.

Respite is charged at the same weekly rate as long-term live-in care: from £1,090 a week paid to the carer, plus our weekly agency fee of £250, and a one-off registration fee of £250. The household provides the carer's food and a private room. There are no long contracts, so you only pay for the weeks you need. Call us for an exact figure for your dates.

Possibly. Ask your local council for a carer's assessment for yourself and a needs assessment for your loved one. If the council agrees respite is needed, it may contribute to the cost, depending on a financial assessment, or offer a direct payment you can use to arrange care yourself. Attendance Allowance can also be put towards respite. Our council funding guide explains the process step by step.

It depends on the person. Staying at home means no packing, no new surroundings and no change of routine, which many people, especially those living with dementia, find much easier. It also avoids the unsettled few days that often follow a move. A short care home stay can suit people who enjoy company in a group setting. We're happy to talk through both options honestly before you decide.

Prepare a list of medication and timings, key contacts including the GP and pharmacy, any care plan or notes from professionals, and the small details of the daily routine, such as how your loved one likes their tea and when they like to go to bed. Leave the emergency numbers somewhere easy to find. We'll go through it all with the carer at the handover so nothing is missed while you're away.

Medicare People currently provides introductory live-in care services. We have submitted our application to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and intend to introduce a fully managed live-in care service following registration. As an introductory agency, we find, check and introduce self-employed live-in carers, and the family agrees the day-to-day care with the carer directly. Before any introduction we carry out right-to-work, DBS and reference checks and interview every carer. Our team stays in touch after the carer starts, arranges relief cover for breaks and holidays, and finds a replacement carer if the match isn't working.