Care services

Respite care in Leeds

Looking after someone you love is demanding, and everybody needs a break. Respite care brings in a live-in carer for a set period so you can go away, recover from an operation, or simply catch up on sleep.

Meanwhile your relative carries on at home - same chair, same mealtimes, same faces next door - which most people find far easier than a temporary care home bed.

0113 547 2829

A carer helping an older woman with her sewing at home

Could respite care help?

It's often a good fit when:

You care for a partner or parent and haven't had a proper break in months
You have a holiday, wedding or family event coming up
You need hospital treatment yourself
You want a trial run of live-in care before deciding on anything permanent

What your carer helps with

Following the routine you've built, step by step
Meals, medication prompts and personal care
Keeping up hobbies, outings and visitors
Keeping you updated while you're away, as often as you like

What a day can look like

Before you go
A handover with the carer: routines, likes, dislikes, contacts, where things are kept.
Each day
Everything carries on as usual - meals, tablets, the afternoon programme, the evening phone call.
While you're away
A message or call to you at whatever time suits.
When you're back
A handover in reverse, with notes on how the stay went.

Every day is planned around the person - this is only an example.

Support for carers in Leeds

If you look after someone, you're entitled to a carer's assessment from Leeds City Council, which may lead to support including funded breaks. Carers Leeds can help you through the process and offers its own advice and groups for unpaid carers.

How long respite can be

Most respite stays run from one to four weeks. We ask for a short minimum period so the carer and your relative have time to settle together. If you'd like the same carer each time you take a break, we'll do our best to arrange it.

Questions about respite care

For planned breaks, two to four weeks' notice gives us time to match well, especially in summer and at Christmas. For emergencies, call us - we'll always try to help at short notice.

Often. A respite stay doubles as a trial: if it suits everyone, the same carer can simply stay on.