Respite Care

A short break, with comfort, care and reassurance

What is respite care?

Respite care offers short-term support for older people who may need extra help for a limited period of time. This could include time to rest and recover after a hospital stay, support while regaining strength following illness, or a short break to enjoy care home life in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Respite care can also provide reassurance for family carers, offering them a well-earned break knowing their loved one is being cared for safely and compassionately.

At Care South, we provide person-centred respite care in our warm and welcoming care homes. Each stay is tailored to the individual, with care delivered through a personalised care plan agreed on arrival. Whether someone stays for a few days or a few weeks, our focus is on comfort, recovery, confidence and wellbeing.

Is respite care right for you or your loved one?

Choosing respite care can be a positive and reassuring step, whether it is planned in advance or arranged at short notice following a hospital discharge or unexpected change in circumstances.

Our dedicated team is here to guide you through your options. We will listen carefully, explain how respite care works and help you decide whether it is the right choice for your situation.

You are welcome to visit your nearest Care South home, where the Home Manager and their friendly team will show you around, talk through your needs and answer any questions you may have.

What does a respite stay at Care South involve?

We understand that staying in a care home, even for a short time, can feel daunting. That is why we place great importance on offering a warm welcome and helping people settle in comfortably from day one.

During a respite stay, our care team will take time to get to know you or your loved one, including daily routines, personal care needs, medication, diet, mobility and interests. This information is used to create a personalised care plan, ensuring support feels right and respectful throughout the stay.

Care plans are reviewed regularly and adapted as needs change, particularly for those recovering from illness or surgery. Our goal is to support recovery, maintain independence and build confidence, all within a calm and supportive environment.

Ready to take the next step?

If respite care feels right for you or your loved one, simply give our care team a call or complete our online enquiry form.

We will take the time to answer your questions, discuss availability and support you through the admissions process.

What makes respite care at Care South special?

Our care homes are more than just places to stay. They are friendly, supportive communities where people are encouraged to enjoy life, even during a short visit, after all it’s the care that counts.

Respite residents are welcomed as part of the home community and are encouraged to take part in everyday life, as much or as little as they wish. This includes:

Great food plays an important role during a respite stay. Our chefs prepare fresh, seasonal meals tailored to individual tastes and dietary needs, helping to support recovery and enjoyment.

We also take time to understand each person’s background, interests and preferences, allowing us to offer meaningful activities and build genuine connections, even during a short stay.

How will respite care be funded?

Respite care can be funded in different ways, depending on individual circumstances. To help explain the options available, Which? has created a helpful guide to care funding, which you can view here:

Food, Fun and Friendship

Our residents continue living rich and fulfilled lives, doing what they love, with the people they love, enjoying Food, Fun and Friendship together.

Our chefs serve freshly prepared, seasonal food, that looks great and tastes even better!

Our homes are places to enjoy life and continue with hobbies and pastimes, within a vibrant community.

Our homes bring people together, through spending quality time with loved ones or by making new friendships.

Care Options

In addition to respite care, Care South provides a range of personalised care options within our care homes. Each type of care is tailored to individual needs and delivered with the same commitment to dignity, kindness and reassurance.