How Respite Care Works

Updated January 2024

Respite care, or carers break, is a mutually beneficial service allowing both the person who requires support and their regular carer ‘respite’ by allowing the carer time to rest and recharge, assisting both parties to maintain healthy routines. 

Instances where you may require respite care include: 

• If you, the primary caregiver, are going on holiday 
• The benefit of care would better support you to conduct tasks such as: going to the supermarket, appointments, or work. 
• To enable you both to continue the things you enjoy, and reduce burnout

As the primary caregiver, you may find that you don’t have time to regularly do the things you enjoy – or struggle to fit in daily tasks such as a visit to the supermarket. Respite care can assist you by ensuring that the correct support is ongoing in your absence, the person you support remains comfortable, and their individual needs are being catered to, while alleviating any stress or pressures on your own health.

Respite care can take place over several days or weeks and can also act as an introduction to care – making the person receiving support feel at ease as they adjust to a new environment.  

Commonly, caregivers may feel a sense of guilt when requesting help via respite - which is normal - especially if the person in your care is a loved one. However, respite is an essential service in caring for your wellbeing and refreshing your energy reserves - even helping maximise the time you spend together with your loved one as you come back feeling energised, having made time for yourself. Your loved one will also benefit socially, mentally, and physically by forming new friendships and joining in with activities throughout their respite stay.  

Funding options vary, but you should contact your local authority directly for an assessment in the first instance as you may be entitled to support. Alternatively, you can request help and advice from organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. Depending on your circumstance, you may have the option of self-directed support, self-funding, or be eligible for a grant. For more information, please visit: Shared Care Scotland

Renaissance Care offers respite care near you, across our 17 Scottish care home locations. For more information on the services we provide, please contact us directly, or visit 'Our Homes' page.