Taking care of someone you love is a big responsibility—and sometimes, you just need a break. That’s where respite care in a care home can help. It offers short-term care for your loved one in a residential setting, so you can rest, recover, or take time for yourself.

But the big question is: who pays for it. Let’s walk through the main ways respite stays in care homes can be funded.

What Is Respite Care in a Care Home?
This is a short-term stay in a care home for someone who usually receives care at home. It could be for a few days, a week, or even longer.
It’s a great option when:
• A carer needs a break or holiday
• The usual care setup is temporarily unavailable
• The person being cared for needs extra help for a short time (e.g. after illness or hospital discharge)

1. Local Authority (Council) Funding
Your local council may help pay for a respite care home stay, but only after an assessment.
Here’s how it works:
a) Needs Assessment
This is carried out for the person who needs care. It looks at their support needs and whether a care home stay is appropriate.
b) Financial Assessment (Means Test)
This checks their income and savings to work out how much they need to contribute.
• If the person has less than £23,250 in savings (England, 2024/25 figures), the council may help with the cost.
• If they have more than this, they’ll likely have to pay for the full stay themselves.
Even if you think you’ll be self-funding, it’s still worth doing the assessments. The council might help organise care or offer advice.

2. Self-Funding (Paying Privately)
If the person needing care has sufficient savings or income, or doesn’t qualify for council help, they can pay for the respite stay themselves.
Prices vary widely depending on the care home, location, and the level of care required. On average, a short stay in a care home costs:
• Around £1,300–£1,750 per week for residential care
• More if nursing care is needed
It’s a good idea to:
• Contact care homes directly to ask about respite availability and prices
• Book in advance, if possible, as respite beds can be limited

3. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
In rare situations, if the person needing care has complex and ongoing health needs, the NHS may pay for a respite care home stay through Continuing Healthcare funding.
This is:
• Fully funded by the NHS
• Based on health needs, not finances
• Available after a full NHS assessment
It’s not common for short respite stays, but can apply in some situations—especially if there are medical needs that can’t be met at home.

4. Charities and Support Organisations
Some charities and support groups can help with funding or arranging short care home stays, particularly for specific conditions like dementia, cancer, or disability.
Examples include:
• Marie Curie (for end-of-life care)
• Age UK
• The Respite Association
• Carers Trust
Help may come in the form of:
• Grants
• Subsidised stays
• Help finding a place
It’s worth getting in touch with these organisations if you’re struggling to afford a break.

5. Using Benefits to Help Cover the Cost
Certain benefits aren’t specifically for respite care, but they can be used toward the cost if the person receiving care is eligible. These include:
• Attendance Allowance (for those over state pension age)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (for younger people with care needs)
• Carer’s Allowance (for the carer)
Be aware: Some benefits may stop or change if the person goes into respite care for a certain number of days. Always check the rules before booking.

Final Thoughts
Respite care in a care home can be a real lifeline—for both carers and those they care for. Whether you go through your local council, pay privately, or seek support from charities, just remember: taking a break is okay.
If you think respite care might be right for your situation, the best first step is to speak to your local adult social services. They can guide you through the assessment process and help you understand your options.
And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone – if you decide to consider respite care in a care home please contact us at your local Athena Care Home to discuss what we have available.