Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Respite and replacement care

Breaks from caring, whether short or longer, can be arranged in several ways, including through council funding, direct payments or charity schemes.

Last reviewed
1 June 2026
Next review due
1 December 2026

Respite, or replacement care, means arranging alternative care for the person you look after so that you can have a break, whether for a few hours, a day, or longer.

Ways to arrange a break

  • Following a carer's assessment, the council may fund a break directly or through a direct payment you control.
  • Some breaks are provided by day centres, short-stay residential care, or paid sitting services.
  • Charities and grant schemes sometimes fund short breaks or holidays for carers and families.

Planning a break well

A break works best when it is planned rather than only used in an emergency, and when the cared-for person is also involved in choosing how it happens.

  • Think about what kind of break would help most: time alone, time with other family, or time to catch up on rest or admin.
  • Ask what continuity of care looks like, for example whether the same staff or service will be used each time.

Checklist

  • Ask for a carer's assessment if you have not already had one, since this is often the route to funded breaks.
  • Ask your council what respite options are available locally.
  • Consider a direct payment if you would prefer to arrange your own replacement care.
  • Ask local carers' charities about grants or subsidised short breaks.
  • Plan breaks in advance where possible, rather than only in a crisis.
  • Involve the person you care for in decisions about who provides replacement care.

Common mistakes

  • Not asking about respite until reaching burnout.
  • Assuming respite is only residential care, when day support or in-home sitting services may be more suitable.
  • Not checking whether a direct payment would give more choice and control.
  • Overlooking small local charity grants that could fund a short break.

Organisations that can help