We use cookies to allow us and selected partners to improve your experience and our advertising. By continuing to browse you consent to our use of cookies. You can understand more and change your cookies preferences here.

Close
Menu
Skip to content Skip to search
Close
Menu
All categories
Home care
Find out about care at home, adaptations and technology to help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
Home care near you
Use our directory to find local home care agencies anywhere across the UK.
Find home care agencies
Carers & caring
Learn about the benefits, support and rights you have as a carer to help you through this difficult time.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost and what financial support is available.
Care costs in your area
Financing care
Learn about funding options for home care, home adaptations and care homes, together with Attendance Allowance, gifting assets and Power of Attorney.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost and what financial support is available.
Care costs in your area
Housing options
Consider your options and learn about sheltered housing, retirement villages and care homes.
Care homes and support at home near you
Use our directory to find local care homes, home care agencies and carer support services across the UK.
Find care services
End of life
Guidance on the practical and emotional aspects at the end of life, from planning end of life care to arranging a funeral and coping with bereavement.
Which? Wills
From writing your will, to setting up your Power of Attorney, Which? is here to help you make important decisions for your future.
Visit Which? Wills for advice
Care services directory

Taking a break from caring

We explain the respite care options available, how to choose and pay for this type of care, and the benefits it offers you and the person you care for.

Respite care

3 min read

Respite care offers carers a break from caring, by providing replacement support. We explain the options and how to fund it.

Planning respite care

6 min read

We explain the importance of planning ahead, how to access local authority respite care and considerations when choosing respite care.

Financing respite care

3 min read

There are several options open to you when it comes to financing respite care, such as funding from the local authority, charities or self-funding.

Day care centres

2 min read

We explain how to arrange day care, the perfect way to give you a few hours’ break from caring on a regular basis.

Respite care and support at home

2 min read

If you need extra help with your caring duties, there are a number of options for arranging care and support at home, both short and long term.

Respite care in a care home

1 min read

If you need a complete break from caring for a short time, the person you care for may be able to stay in a care home temporarily.

Organising friends and family to help

1 min read

Are there other people who would be willing and able to help you look after the person needing care?

Respite holidays

4 min read

There are lots of options available for respite holidays – from specialist centres that provide holidays for people needing care, to breaks for carers.
Real-life stories
Hubert's story
83 | OXFORDSHIRE
Read Hubert’s story about the 12 years he cared for his wife, who suffered from advancing dementia.
Ken's story
72 | CULLODEN
Read Ken’s story about his mother-in-law, Elizabeth, and how after a stay in respite care her needs were assessed and she remained in the care home.
See more real-life stories
Find care services near you
Use our directory to find local care homes, home care agencies and carer support services across the UK.

Further reading

Carer’s assessment

If you care for someone, you can arrange a carer’s assessment to find out if you’re eligible for support.

Sign up for free care guidance

Receive expert guidance on caring for older people. Our emails are free and sent monthly.

Sign up to Later Life Care emails
Which? Later Life Care
Our top care guidance pages