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Respite Care
Routes Healthcare

Respite Care at Home for Your Loved One - Giving You Both a Break

We see the extraordinary dedication it takes to care for a family member. The sleepless nights, constant worry, and how you put their needs before your own every day. Our respite care recognises this reality without judgement.


We step in so you can step away - knowing your loved one receives the same warmth and attention you'd provide yourself. This isn't about replacing your care, it's about ensuring you can continue caring with renewed energy and patience.# Respite Care When You Need a Break

or call our team on 0333 800 1379 

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care gives family carers the break they desperately need whilst ensuring their loved one receives excellent professional support. It's about recognising that caring for someone you love is both precious and exhausting - and that taking time to recharge isn't selfish, it's essential.


We understand the guilt that comes with needing a break from caring. Our approach ensures you can rest knowing your loved one is in genuinely caring hands, receiving the same warmth and attention you'd provide yourself.

What does respite home care include?

Home Care That Fits Around Your Life

Home care visits mean you keep your independence whilst getting the support you need. From helping with daily routines to providing companionship, it's care that adapts to your life, not the other way around.

Whether you need a few hours each week or daily support, we'll listen to what matters most and create a care plan that feels right for you and your family.

Call our friendly team:
0333 800 1379

Email us directly:
private@routeshealthcare.com

Get in touch with our team

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What Makes our Respite Care Different?

Heartfelt

We recognise the emotional weight of entrusting someone else with your loved one's care. Our carers understand they're stepping into precious relationships and honour this wholly.

Open

We discuss your concerns honestly - both about your loved one's needs and your own exhaustion. There's no judgement, just genuine understanding of how demanding caring can be.

Meaningful

Respite care gives you space to breathe whilst ensuring your loved one experiences genuine connection and quality care. Both matter equally.

Empowering

Taking breaks helps you care better long-term. We support your caring journey by ensuring you get the rest needed to continue providing love and support.

​​What Does Respite Care at Home Include?

Choosing to receive care at home is a big decision, and it's natural to have questions about whether it's the right choice for your situation.

All your loved one's usual care

Personal care, medication support, meal preparation, and companionship - everything continues seamlessly whilst you're away.

Engaging activities

Meaningful conversation, shared interests, and activities that bring joy rather than just basic supervision.

Safety and monitoring

Professional oversight that ensures your loved one remains safe and comfortable whilst you're taking your break.

Detailed communication

Updates about how your loved one is doing, what they've enjoyed, and any concerns that arise during respite.

Flexible arrangements

From a few hours to several days, respite care adapts to both your needs and your loved one's comfort levels.

Familiar routine maintenance

Keeping to established patterns that help your loved one feel secure whilst you're away.

Call our team for a free, honest talk about respite care at home from one of our friendly professionals

How Long Can Respite Care Last?

  • Short breaks - A few hours for appointments, shopping, or simply some quiet time
  • Day respite - Full day support whilst you attend to other responsibilities or simply rest
  • Weekend breaks - Longer periods allowing for proper rest or time with other family
  • Holiday respite - Extended support enabling you to take genuine breaks and recharge
  • Emergency respite - Immediate support when you're unwell or facing unexpected situations


We work around your needs and your loved one's comfort levels to provide exactly the right amount of support.

home care clients happy at home

How we make a difference

We're proud to have built lasting relationships with our clients. Here's what they have to share about their experience with us.

"I would just like to thank you to all the staff that looked after my Dad. They were all amazing. The care that was given was excellent. They were all respectful and empathetic to our situation right up until the very end."

Janine P

Daughter of Client

"These girls were amazing, not only were they professional and did everything for my mam but they also listened to me and my worries and anxiety nothing was too much for them I would and have highly recommended them to everyone I know. I will never forget their patience and kindness."

Julie J

Daughter of Client

"Routes are a fantastic care company i just cannot fault them at all. They are 100 times better than my two previous care companies and I will always recommend Routes Healthcare to everybody who is looking for a care company."

Alan D

Client

"My father recently had to start having care at home. I have dealt with Routes for over a month and I have to say they have been really good. Whenever I call the team they are always so nice and helpful. They always work with me and are always willing to help which is a massive positive."

Dahlia B

Daughter of Client

"I am delighted with the services offered by Routes Healthcare for one of my clients. They have managed to source a capable and enthusiastic team, who are resourceful and supportive to the client and their family. I have no reservations in recommending Routes Healthcare to other case managers."

Case Manager

Anonymous Review

"We have very good care and service with Routes from both the lovely carers and the management. They look after my mum's needs very well including her challenging little dog!! We are very grateful and very pleased with the service. Thank you"

Helen C

Daughter of Client

How Can Respite Care at Home Help You?

Our respite home care service is thoughtfully designed to support family carers in a variety of circumstances, providing reliable, compassionate care when you need it most. 

Each situation is unique, which is why our flexible approach adapts to your specific needs, whether planned well in advance or arranged at short notice.


Planned Breaks

We believe that taking time to recharge isn't a luxury for family carers—it's essential for sustainable care. Our planned respite support offers peace of mind during:

  • Family holidays and getaways, allowing you to travel knowing your loved one is in capable hands
  • Special occasions such as weddings, graduations or family celebrations
  • Personal appointments that require your full attention
  • Regular, scheduled breaks that become part of your ongoing care routine
  • Seasonal events when you might need extra time for preparations or travel

Our team works closely with you to understand established routines, preferences and needs, ensuring continuity of care that feels comfortable and familiar while you're away.

Emergency Cover

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes the need for support arises suddenly. Our responsive emergency respite provides swift, reliable care when:

  • You face unexpected work commitments or urgent family matters
  • Transport issues prevent you from returning home as planned
  • Sudden illness or injury affects your ability to provide care
  • Weather events or other emergencies disrupt normal arrangements
  • Other care providers cancel at short notice

Even with limited preparation time, we prioritise understanding your loved one's essential routines and preferences, ensuring they feel safe and supported despite the unexpected change.

Recovery Periods

Caring for others becomes impossible if your own wellbeing is compromised. Our recovery support provides temporary care while:

  • You recuperate from illness, surgery or hospital stays
  • You focus on necessary medical treatments or rehabilitation
  • You manage periods of increased stress or fatigue
  • You address health concerns that require temporary lifestyle adjustments
  • You rebuild your strength after an intensive period of caring

This support creates space for proper recovery, allowing you to return to your caring role when you're genuinely ready, not before your health permits.

Trial Care

Taking the first step toward formal care can feel daunting. Our trial respite offers a gentle introduction to professional support:

  • Experiencing our care approach without long-term commitment
  • Building trust and comfort with professional carers
  • Assessing how well our services meet your loved one's needs
  • Allowing your loved one to become familiar with new faces gradually
  • Testing different care patterns to find what works best

This "getting to know you" period often eases transitions to more regular support, creating a foundation of trust and familiarity.

Preventing Burnout

Sustaining care over time requires preventative self-care. Our regular respite helps maintain wellbeing by:

  • Creating breathing space before exhaustion becomes overwhelming
  • Providing predictable breaks you can look forward to
  • Maintaining your own health and emotional reserves
  • Preserving the quality of your relationship beyond caregiving
  • Supporting a sustainable care arrangement for the long term

Regular, planned breaks often prevent crisis situations and emergency admissions, benefiting both you and your loved one through consistent, quality care.

Your Questions About Respite Care, Answered

How quickly can respite care be arranged?

For planned respite, we recommend arranging care 2-3 weeks in advance where possible. However, we understand that care needs can arise unexpectedly. In urgent situations, we can often arrange care within 24-48 hours, depending on your specific requirements and location.

Will my loved one have the same carer throughout the respite period?

Consistency is important to us. For shorter respite periods, we assign main primary carers wherever possible. For longer arrangements, we create a small, dedicated team to ensure quality care while allowing for carer rest periods. You'll always meet your carer(s) before the respite period begins.

Can you maintain my loved one's existing routine?

Absolutely. We believe that maintaining familiar routines is essential for wellbeing. During our initial assessment, we'll document all aspects of daily life—from morning preferences to bedtime routines—ensuring continuity of care that feels comfortable and familiar.

What happens if my loved one's needs change during respite?

Our teams are trained to respond flexibly to changing needs. Your dedicated respite coordinator will stay in regular contact, and our carers can adapt support as required. For significant changes, we'll consult with you promptly to adjust the care plan.

Is respite care right for me

Respite care is particularly beneficial for:

  • Family carers who need a planned break or holiday 
    • Those providing regular care who face unexpected work or family commitments 
    • Family members experiencing carer fatigue or at risk of burnout 
    • Situations where the primary carer is unwell or recovering from illness 
    • Families wanting to 'test' care services before making longer-term arrangements 
    • Those caring for loved ones with progressing needs who occasionally require additional support 
    • Emergency situations where the usual care arrangement is temporarily unavailable 
    • Families living at a distance who cannot provide short-term support when needed

    Not sure if respite care is right for your situation? Our care specialists can discuss your specific circumstances and recommend the most appropriate support options.

    Help and guidance

    Guidance
    Hospital to Home: A Safe Return Home
    →
    Guidance
    6 Signs Your Loved One Might Need Care at Home
    →
    Guidance
    Your Guide to Home Care Funding
    →
    Guidance
    Making the Most of Your Care Consultation
    →
    More Help & Guidance

    Speak to our team

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    Let's get you the care you need

    Whether you need morning assistance to start your day, lunchtime support, or evening help to prepare for a good night's rest, we arrange visits around your routine—not ours.


    Our care can evolve with your changing needs, from occasional support to several daily visits.

    Ready to discuss how visiting home care could help you or your loved one? Contact us today for a confidential discussion about your needs and how Routes Home Care can support you and your loved one at home.


    Call us: 0333 800 1379 

    Email: privatecare@routeshealthcare.com