Caring for a loved one at home is rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Respite care in London provides primary caregivers a temporary break, whether for a few hours, a long weekend, or for several weeks, while making sure the person they look after continues to receive safe, professional support.
In London, respite care comes in several flexible formats and is available through the NHS, local councils and private providers. This guide explains what types of respite care exist, what they cost in the capital, how funding works and the practical steps to arrange it.
Types of Respite Care Available in London
The right type of respite care depends on how much support your loved one needs, whether they prefer to stay at home, and your budget. Here are the main options available across Greater London boroughs.
In-Home (Domiciliary) Respite Care
This involves a professional carer visiting your loved one’s home for a set number of hours, or moving in temporarily on a live-in basis. This is the least disruptive option because the person stays in familiar surroundings. Visiting carers help with personal care, meals, medication prompts and companionship, while live-in carers provide round-the-clock support for a few days to several weeks.
Residential Care Home Stays
In this mode of care, the person moves into a CQC-regulated care home for a short period, typically one to four weeks, while you take a holiday, recover from illness or manage other commitments. Residential stays include meals, social activities and 24-hour supervision. Many London care homes offer dedicated respite rooms, though availability can be limited during peak periods.
Overnight Care
If night-time is the main concern; for example, because your loved one experiences sundowning or needs help getting to the bathroom, overnight care provides a carer who stays through the night. Sleeping night carers rest on-site but are available if needed, while waking night carers remain fully alert throughout. You can read more in our guide to overnight care in London.
Day Care Centres
Local day centres provide structured daytime activities, meals, and basic care so the person can socialise outside the home while you take a few hours to yourself. Many London boroughs fund day centre places for eligible residents, making this one of the most affordable respite options.
Specialist Nursing and Dementia Respite
For individuals with complex medical needs or advanced dementia, specialist respite facilities offer clinical oversight from registered nurses alongside structured care routines. These placements are typically arranged through the NHS or via private nursing homes with CQC-rated dementia units.
How Much Does Respite Care Cost in London?
London consistently commands some of the highest care fees in the UK because of staffing costs, property overheads, and high local demand. The table below gives an indicative range for 2026.
| Respite Care Type | London Cost Range | Best Used For |
| Visiting / Hourly Care | £23 to £40 per hour | Short breaks, errands, weekly routine relief |
| Day Care Centre | £80 to £100 per day | Daytime socialisation and group supervision |
| Overnight Care (Sleeping) | £100 to £230 per night | Peace of mind for mostly settled individuals |
| Overnight Care (Waking) | £250 to £320+ per night | Frequent medical needs or nightly disorientation |
| Live-in Care (24-Hour) | £1,200 to £2,000+ per week | Round-the-clock home care without moving out |
| Residential Care Home | £1,500 to £2,000+ per week | Extended family holidays or emergency coverage |
| Nursing / Dementia Stay | £1,750 to £2,200+ per week | Advanced medical conditions or specialist safety |
Exact fees depend on the borough, the provider, the complexity of care required, and whether the stay is planned or arranged at short notice. Emergency or last-minute respite usually costs more than a pre-booked arrangement.
How Is Respite Care Funded?
Respite care does not always have to be self-funded. Several funding routes are available depending on your circumstances; these include local authority funding, means testing, NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), Attendance Allowance and charity grants, alongside sitting services. If your loved one has savings or assets above £23,250, they are expected to self-fund. However, if their assets fall below £14,250, the council may cover the maximum allowable cost after conducting a means testing assessment. Where respite care is triggered by complex, intense, or unpredictable medical needs, you may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC); the NHS may fund the full cost of care regardless of personal wealth.
Contact your London borough’s Adult Social Care department to request a Carer’s Assessment for yourself and a Care Needs Assessment for the person you look after. If eligible, the council may fully or partly fund respite, or provide Direct Payments so you can arrange care independently. If the person you care for is over State Pension age and needs help with daily living, they may qualify for Attendance Allowance (£72.65 or £108.55 per week in 2025/26), which can go towards the cost of respite care. Organisations such as Age UK, the Family Holiday Charity and local carer hubs offer subsidised or free sitting services, respite holidays and emergency charitable grants for families on lower incomes.
How to Arrange Respite Care in London
Firstly, request a needs assessment. Contact your local borough council’s Adult Social Care department. You are entitled to a free care needs assessment for the person requiring care and a separate carer’s assessment for yourself. If eligible, the council will outline which services it can fund or co-fund. Secondly, research regulated providers. Search the CQC website to find providers rated Good or Outstanding in your borough. For home-based respite, look for domiciliary care agencies experienced in your loved one’s condition. For residential stays, check the latest inspection report and ask whether respite rooms are available. Thirdly, it is important to book an in-home consultation. Most reputable providers carry out a free, face-to-face assessment before assigning a carer. This covers daily routines, medication timings, mobility needs and personal preferences, ensuring continuity of care from day one.
In addition, plan ahead where possible. Aim to book planned respite breaks four to six weeks in advance, particularly for residential stays in high-demand London boroughs. If you need cover urgently; for example, due to a family emergency or carer illness, many home care agencies can arrange emergency respite within 24 to 48 hours. Furthermore, prepare a handover document. Write down your loved one’s daily routine, medication schedule, dietary requirements, GP contact details and any behavioural triggers. A clear handover helps the respite carer deliver consistent, person-centred care and reduces anxiety for everyone involved.
When Should You Consider Respite Care?
Respite care is not a sign of failure; it is a practical step that protects both the caregiver and the person receiving care. You might consider it if you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, if you have a medical appointment or planned surgery, if you want to take a holiday, or if an emergency means you are temporarily unavailable. Regular planned respite also helps prevent carer burnout, which is one of the leading reasons families eventually move a loved one into permanent residential care.
About Tidal Living
Tidal Living is a CQC-regulated domiciliary care provider based in London, offering specialist dementia care, 24-hour live-in care, overnight care, companionship care and respite care across the capital. Whether you need cover for a few hours or several weeks, our care team can help.
Call us on 020 3488 2244 or visit tidalliving.co.uk to book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can emergency respite care be arranged in London?
Many home care agencies can place a carer within 24 to 48 hours for urgent situations. Residential respite homes may have longer waiting lists, so emergency cover at home tends to be the fastest option.
Can I get respite care for someone with dementia?
Yes; specialist dementia respite is available both at home and in nursing facilities with trained staff. If the person has complex or unpredictable needs, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. You can also read our guide to live-in dementia care in London for longer-term options.
Is respite care means-tested?
Council-funded respite care is means-tested. If the person’s savings and assets exceed £23,250, they are expected to pay privately. Below £14,250, the local authority may cover the full cost. Between those thresholds, a sliding scale applies.
What is the difference between respite care and short-term care?
The terms are often used interchangeably. However, respite care specifically describes temporary care arranged to give the primary caregiver a break, whereas short-term care is a broader term that also covers post-hospital rehabilitation or transitional support.
Do I need a GP referral for respite care?
No. You can arrange private respite care directly with a provider. For council-funded respite, request an assessment through your borough’s Adult Social Care team. A GP referral is not required, although a GP can support an NHS Continuing Healthcare application if clinical needs are involved.
Can respite care be arranged for just a few hours?
Absolutely. Visiting (hourly) care is one of the most popular forms of respite care. A trained carer comes to the home for as little as one to two hours so you can run errands, attend appointments or simply rest.
