How to pay for respite care

Caring for someone they love is a role families will gladly take on. Despite the willingness to help the people in our lives, even the most dedicated carers need to take a break from their responsibilities. But how can you be confident that your loved one is still receiving the high level of care they deserve? Read on to find out more about respite care, as well as how to access funding to allow you and your family to spend time together, without the added weight of care worries or responsibilities. 

What is respite care and who is it best suited to? 

Respite care provides short-term relief for carers, allowing them a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Named for the “respite” it offers primary carers, it gives family or friends the opportunity to step away from their care responsibilities whilst ensuring that their loved one still has the support and care they need. Respite care can be used to support individuals with a variety of medical and emotional needs, including specialist care such as Parkinson’s or cancer care. This type of care ensures that both the caregiver and the individual receiving care have their needs met while promoting overall well-being.

How much does respite care typically cost? 

The costs of respite care can vary depending on the amount of care, its frequency and the level of specialism. One of the benefits of respite care is that it can be organised as and when your family needs it. You can turn to respite care if you’re feeling overwhelmed with your care responsibilities- whether as a result of a changed diagnosis or simply from being burnt out.

Alternatively, you can also schedule respite care to give you the chance to go away on holiday, safe in the knowledge that your loved one will receive the same high standard of care while you are away. In comparison to care home fees or full-time live-in care, this can help you save money whilst still getting the support you need to help your loved one maintain their independence. 

Respite care can be provided on an hourly visiting care basis or 24/7 respite live-in care can be provided.

What funding is available to support families who need respite care? 

Finding the funds to secure the care your loved one needs can feel daunting, but don’t worry; there are a variety of funding options available to support families and help them access the care they need. These include: 

Local council funding 

Local councils can provide funding to help your family pay for respite care. When you apply for local council funding, the council will complete a financial assessment to work out what you can or can’t afford to pay. Your loved one who requires care will also need to complete a financial assessment after they have completed a needs assessment. Once you’ve qualified,  the council can give you the opportunity to decide how the money in your support plan is spent, providing direct payments to your account, leaving you to make the care arrangements you prefer.

Carers trust grants 

Carers trust grants offer another way for your family to receive financial support to pay for a person’s respite care. In order to access this funding you will need to apply via your local Carers Trust service. During the application process, you will be given all the information you need about eligibility, as well as assistance to help you complete your application. As well as helping you to access financial aid directly, the Carers Trust will also give you advice on how to access other aid to help you pay for respite care.

Charity funding 

As well as funding pathways, you may also be able to access financial support through a number of charities in the UK. Charities such as Carers UK and Age UK can provide advice, financial assistance, and respite care services for eligible individuals. There are also a number of charities specifically dedicated to helping families access care for loved ones with certain conditions or illnesses. For example, the Family Fund supports families with disabled children, whilst Dementia UK offers specialised support for those caring for individuals with dementia. It’s worth exploring these options to help reduce the financial burden of respite care.

How to become eligible for respite care funding 

To become eligible for respite care funding, you will need to complete a carer’s assessment, which is carried out by your local council. This assessment helps them understand your needs as a caregiver, as well as the needs of the person you care for. The council will use the assessment to create a tailored support plan, which may include financial assistance for respite care services. Eligibility for funding depends on the specific circumstances of both the carer and the person receiving care. The support plan ensures that you have the appropriate help and resources to manage your caregiving role effectively.

How to arrange respite care  

When you need a break, you can quickly and easily arrange respite care with Ashridge Home Care. You can fill out our enquiry form or give us a call at 01494 917 344 to tell us about your loved one and the care they need. From there, we’ll arrange for a care manager to meet with your family and find out more about your care requirements. They’ll take the time to get to know your family members so that they can match them with a respite carer who can support their physical needs whilst matching their personality. 

Why choose respite care with Ashridge Home Care?

When you choose respite care with Ashridge Home Care, you can be confident that your loved one is getting the high level of care that they deserve, whilst ensuring you take a much-earned break. Whether they need more specialist care or simple support with daily activities, our expert carers ensure that they are comfortable and happy, giving you the chance to step back from your responsibilities for however long you need. Whether it’s personal care, medication management, or companionship, your family can have peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving the highest standard of care. Our care team will work closely with your family to establish the type and frequency of care that works best for you, prioritising the health, happiness and well-being of your family at all times. 

Interested in finding out more about respite care? Get in touch with the team at Ashridge Home Care today and tell us how we can help you.