How much does respite care cost?

Respite care offers short-term relief for primary carers, and the cost can vary widely depending on the type of care, location, and level of support needed. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay, as well as the funding options and financial support available to help manage these costs.

Understanding the cost of respite care in the UK

Respite care can take place in your loved one’s home or in a residential setting, and prices reflect the level and type of care provided.

How much is respite care for a week?

The weekly cost of respite care can change depending on the type of care and location.

If you’re choosing in-home respite care for your loved one, prices typically start at:

• £800+ per week for a visiting or “sitting” service
• £1,500+ per week for live-in respite care.

Home care tends to be more personalised and can be a cost-effective alternative to a residential care home, especially when you consider extras like activities, meals, and accommodation fees.

Respite stays in residential or nursing homes may range from £700 to £1,500+ per week, depending on location and care level

Higher costs are usually associated with more complex care needs, such as dementia or overnight support.

Emergency respite care may carry a premium due to the urgent nature of the arrangement. Costs can be higher for same-day placements or last-minute live-in care but are still typically more affordable than prolonged hospital stays.

How much does respite care cost per day?

The cost of respite care per day can vary significantly depending on the type of care and location, but generally, it can range from around £100 to £250 or more.

What affects the cost of respite care?

Several factors influence how much respite care will cost:

• Type and intensity of care – personal care, medical support, mobility help
• Duration – daily rates may be lower for longer-term respite arrangements
• Location – care costs vary significantly across the UK
• Care setting – home care may be cheaper than residential care in some cases
• Health needs – conditions like dementia may require additional staffing or specialist care
• Extras – activities, meals, or transport may add to the base cost.

Who pays for respite care?

Depending on your loved one’s financial circumstances and care needs, they may be eligible for funding through the local authority, NHS, or charitable organisations.

Local authority funding

Your loved one’s local council may offer:

• Arranged services (they manage care for your loved one)
• Direct payments (you or your loved one manage the care budget).

Eligibility is based on a care needs assessment and a financial assessment of your loved one. Contact your local social services team to start this process.

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

If your loved one has complex medical needs, they may qualify for NHS funding. This covers respite care costs in full, but eligibility is strict and assessed via their Integrated Care Board.

Self-funding options

If your loved one is not eligible for public funding, they will need to cover the cost themselves. Elder can help make this process more manageable by matching them with a vetted carer at competitive weekly rates.

Financial support for carers

Even if your loved one is not eligible for local authority or NHS support, there are still funding options and grants to explore if you’re caring for them.

Carer’s assessment and support

Local councils must assess the needs of primary carers. If eligible for support, you may be entitled to:

• Practical support or replacement care
• Financial support via personal budgets.

Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Credit

You may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance if you provide care for 35+ hours per week. If you don’t qualify, Carer’s Credit could help protect your National Insurance record.

Carer holiday grants and charities

Several UK charities provide grants for respite breaks:

• Ogilvie Charities – up to £400 for a complete break
• After Umbrage – free, four-night stays in UK holiday cottages
• The Respite Association – free grants for respite carers taking over.

These are aimed at low-income households and primary carers without a strong local support network.

How to arrange cost-effective respite care

Arranging care doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With Elder, you can:

• Get matched with a carer in as little as 24 hours
• Choose care from just a few days to several weeks
• Manage everything online through your MyElder account

A care needs assessment can help guide your options – even if your loved one plans to self-fund.