Dementia Respite Care: Giving Carers a Break (2026)

In short: respite care means someone else looks after the person with dementia while you take a break, for a few hours, a day, or a short stay in a care home. Ask the council for a free carer's assessment, and a needs assessment for the person you care for, as these are the way to council help. Plan ahead, because short stays in care homes can be hard to find at short notice.

Types of respite care

• Day centres: social activities for people who find it hard to get out, often with transport for a fee.
• Care at home and sitting services: a paid carer or a trained volunteer stays with the person at home, often for a few hours.
• A short stay in a care home: some homes offer temporary places, and some take bookings in advance, which helps if you are planning a holiday.
• Respite holidays: breaks for carers and the people they look after together.
• Family and friends: someone may be able to stay at the home, or have the person to stay.

How to arrange it

The council only pays for respite for people it has assessed as needing it. Even if you will pay yourself, the needs assessment can recommend the right type of respite. The council can arrange the care, or give you a personal budget or direct payment to arrange it yourself.

Who pays

• The council means-tests the person being cared for to decide how much it pays. For a temporary stay in a care home, their home is usually not counted, because they are expected to return to it.
• Charities such as the Carers Trust and Turn2us list grants for carers and for respite, and some services are free.
• Paying yourself: the person's income, savings or benefits such as Attendance Allowance can be used.

Our guide who pays for respite care explains more.

Questions to ask about a short stay

The Alzheimer's Society suggests asking:

• What is the minimum length of stay, and how far in advance do you need a booking?
• What training do staff have, and does it include dementia care?
• What experience do you have of caring for people with dementia?
• Can you meet any religious or cultural needs?
• Is there a trial period, and how long is it?

Helping a short stay go well

• Involve them: talk through the options with the person and help them feel in control. Focus on the benefits a break can bring you both.
• Bring familiar things: their own comforting items, and framed photos, which can also start conversations.
• Choose the timing: pick a day with no other commitments and a time of day that suits them.
• Share what matters: tell staff about their routines, likes and dislikes, and anything that upsets them.

Related guides

• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Explained: 2026 Update
• Does the NHS Pay for Dementia Care? NHS Continuing Healthcare Explained
• How Much Does Dementia Care Cost in the UK? 2026 Fees by Region
• Residential vs Nursing Dementia Care: Which Does Your Parent Need?

Sources

• Carers' breaks and respite care (NHS)
• Making arrangements for respite care (Alzheimer's Society)
• Adapting to respite care (Alzheimer's Society)
• Care and support statutory guidance, Annexes B and F (GOV.UK)