Respite Care
Caring for a loved one is an act of love—but it can also be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. At NU Healthcare, we understand the enormous commitment that family carers make every day. Our respite care service is specifically designed to offer those carers the time and space they need to rest, recover, and rebalance, knowing their loved one is in safe, compassionate hands.
Whether you’re attending an important event, planning a holiday, recovering from illness, or just need some time to recharge, our team of experienced carers is here to step in and provide seamless support.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is temporary care offered in the client’s home, allowing their primary caregiver a break. It can last from a few hours to several weeks and is tailored to meet the client’s routine, preferences, and care needs.
Flexible Respite Options Include:
- Hourly visits: Short breaks during the day, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, or overnight.
- Daily cover: Full-day care to allow carers a chance to work, rest, or travel.
- Weekend support: Overnight or full weekend packages for short getaways.
- Live-in respite care: A trained carer temporarily stays in the home, providing 24-hour care for longer periods such as holidays or hospitalisation.
What Our Carers Can Support With:
- Personal care: Bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing
- Meal preparation and nutrition monitoring
- Medication prompting and administration
- Companionship and emotional reassurance
- Help with walking, transfers, or mobility aids
- Attending appointments or social events with the client
- Household tasks: Laundry, tidying, errands
Who Can Benefit?
- Family carers who are full-time or part-time caregivers
- Carers preparing for or recovering from surgery or illness
- Anyone supporting a loved one with dementia, Parkinson’s, or other chronic conditions
- Siblings, spouses, or children of individuals needing daily assistance
Why Respite Care Matters
- Prevents burnout and fatigue among carers
- Supports carers’ mental and physical health
- Offers the chance to work, study, or go on holiday
- Ensures continuity of care for the loved one
- Helps maintain a healthy and sustainable long-term care arrangement
Quality, Comfort, and Compassion We recognise that entrusting someone else to care for your loved one can feel daunting. That’s why we place immense importance on compatibility, communication, and consistency. Our respite carers are carefully selected not only for their skills but for their empathy, warmth, and ability to build rapport quickly.
All our staff are:
- DBS-checked and professionally trained
- Experienced in elderly care, dementia, and disability support
- Trained in safeguarding, moving and handling, medication administration, and more
- Supported by a senior team and regular quality reviews
Emergency Respite Care Life doesn’t always go to plan. If an unexpected hospital visit, family emergency, or change in health circumstances arises, we can provide short-notice respite care. We do our utmost to mobilise a carer within 24–48 hours of your call.
Respite Care for Dementia and Complex Needs
Our team is trained in managing the unique challenges of dementia and other cognitive impairments. We understand the importance of routine, familiarity, and gentle communication. During respite care, we maintain all existing routines to avoid confusion and provide reassurance to the client.
We also offer respite for individuals with:
- Learning disabilities
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke recovery
- Cancer support and palliative needs
How It Works
- Initial conversation: We’ll discuss your situation, goals, and concerns.
- Home assessment: A care coordinator visits the client’s home to learn their routine, preferences, and needs.
- Matching process: We assign a suitable carer who has the right experience and temperament.
- Care begins: The carer is introduced, and the care plan is delivered with full handover support.
- Review and feedback: We follow up with you and the client to ensure everything is going smoothly.
