Professional temporary care so you can take a well-deserved break while your loved one receives compassionate support
CQC regulated domiciliary care provider | Respite care delivered across Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire
Caring for someone you love is one of the most meaningful things you can do, but it can also be exhausting. If you are looking after a parent, partner, or family member, you already know how much of yourself you give every single day. Respite care at home provides temporary, professional support so you can take a well-deserved break while your loved one continues to receive compassionate care in familiar surroundings.
In the UK, 5.8 million people provide unpaid care to family members and friends. Among them, 1.7 million are caring for more than 50 hours every week. Research from Carers UK shows that 74% of carers feel stressed or anxious, and 42% say their physical health has suffered as a result of their caring responsibilities. Taking a break is not a luxury or a sign of weakness. It is essential for your wellbeing and your ability to continue caring in the long term.
Millions of unpaid carers across the UK are supporting loved ones without adequate breaks or support
5.8 million
unpaid carers in the UK
1.7 million
providing 50+ hours of care per week
74%
of carers feel stressed or anxious
Only 32%
can access a break when needed
Living Plus Care Services provides respite care at home across Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Whether you need cover for a few hours while you attend an appointment, regular weekly support to give you time for yourself, or emergency care at short notice, we are here to help. Our experienced carers step in seamlessly, maintaining routines and providing the same quality of care your loved one is accustomed to receiving from you.
Respite care is temporary care provided to someone who usually receives support from a family member, friend, or unpaid carer. The purpose is to give the regular carer a break, whether for a few hours, a day, a weekend, or several weeks. During this time, a professional carer takes over, ensuring continuity of care while you rest, recover, or attend to other aspects of your life.
Unlike residential respite, which involves moving your loved one to a care home temporarily, respite care at home means they stay exactly where they are. They sleep in their own bed, follow their own routines, and remain surrounded by their possessions and memories. For many people, particularly those living with dementia, staying in familiar surroundings significantly reduces confusion and distress.
Respite care can be planned in advance or arranged at short notice for emergencies. It can be a one-off arrangement when you need to attend a wedding, take a holiday, or recover from illness yourself. It can also be a regular part of your routine, perhaps every Wednesday afternoon or every other weekend, giving you protected time that you can rely on.
Respite care supports both the person receiving care and the person providing it. If you recognise yourself in any of these situations, respite care could make a significant difference to your life.
Carer burnout is real, and it affects millions of people across the UK. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services identified burnout as the number one reason why unpaid care arrangements break down. Recognising the warning signs early and seeking respite support can help you continue caring for your loved one in a sustainable way.
If you are experiencing these feelings, please know that asking for help is a strength, not a failure. Respite care gives you the space to recover so you can continue providing loving care for years to come.
Arranging respite care can feel like a big step, especially if your loved one has never had anyone else caring for them. We understand this, and we make the process as straightforward and reassuring as possible.
When you contact us, you will speak with someone who understands caring. We listen to your situation, answer your questions, and explain how respite care could work for you. There is no obligation and no pressure.
One of our care managers visits your home to meet you and your loved one. We take time to understand their care needs, daily routines, preferences, and personality. We also want to understand what you need from the respite period.
We create a detailed care plan that documents everything the respite carer needs to know. This includes medication schedules, dietary requirements, mobility needs, communication preferences, and all the small details that make your loved one comfortable.
We carefully select a carer whose skills, experience, and personality are well-suited to your loved one. Before care begins, we arrange an introduction so everyone can meet and feel comfortable with each other.
During the respite period, your loved one receives attentive, person-centred care. The carer follows established routines and maintains the quality of support your loved one expects.
We agree how you would like to be kept informed. Some carers want daily updates, others prefer to switch off completely and receive a summary when they return. We respect your preferences.
For urgent situations, we can often arrange overnight care within a few days. In hospital discharge situations, we will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.
Our respite carers provide the same comprehensive support that you provide as a family carer. The goal is seamless continuity so your loved one barely notices any change in their care.
Assistance with washing, bathing, showering, dressing, and toileting, all delivered with dignity and respect for privacy
Preparing nutritious meals and snacks according to dietary requirements and personal preferences, and ensuring adequate hydration throughout the day
Reminders to take medication at the right times, assistance with administration where appropriate, and monitoring for any concerns
Helping your loved one move safely around their home, including assistance with transfers, walking, and using mobility equipment
Accompanying your loved one to medical appointments, social activities, or simply a trip to the shops or a walk in the park
Keeping the home tidy, doing laundry, washing up, and maintaining a clean and safe environment
For longer respite periods, our carers provide sleeping night or waking night support, ensuring safety and assistance throughout the night
Conversation, engagement in hobbies and interests, reading, watching television together, and providing emotional support and reassurance
We understand that every family's situation is different. That is why we offer flexible respite care options to suit your specific needs.
A carer visits for a few hours to provide support while you take a break. This might be time for a haircut, a coffee with a friend, or simply an hour of peace and quiet. Visits can be regular, such as every Tuesday afternoon, or arranged as needed.
Full-day support covering everything from morning routines through to settling your loved one for the evening. This gives you a complete day to yourself for appointments, work, or relaxation.
A carer stays overnight, either sleeping in a spare room (sleeping night) or remaining awake throughout the night (waking night) depending on your loved one's needs. This allows you to get a proper night's sleep or spend a night away.
For longer breaks such as holidays, a carer moves into your home temporarily, providing round-the-clock support for days or weeks at a time. Your loved one maintains their routines while you take a proper break.
When unexpected situations arise, such as your own illness or a family emergency, we can arrange care at short notice to ensure your loved one is supported.
The cost of respite care depends on the type and amount of support needed. We provide clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we can help you understand your funding options.
Many families choose to pay for respite care directly, giving them complete flexibility over when and how often they use the service.
If your loved one has had a needs assessment and you have had a carer's assessment, you may qualify for council-funded respite care. Eligibility depends on assessed needs and financial circumstances (typically savings below £23,250).
If you or your loved one receive direct payments from the local authority, these can be used to pay for respite care of your choice.
You can continue to receive Carer's Allowance for up to four weeks in any six-month period while taking a break from caring, as long as certain conditions are met.
When you take a break, you need complete peace of mind that your loved one is in safe, capable hands. Living Plus provides respite care you can trust.
Living Plus Care Services is registered with the Care Quality Commission. Our Hertfordshire service is rated Good by the CQC, and our Cambridgeshire service is CQC registered. We are independently inspected to ensure we meet the highest standards of care.
Our carers live in the communities they serve. They understand local areas, can recommend local services, and are committed to the families they support.
Every carer receives thorough training before they begin working with families. This includes safeguarding, medication support, moving and handling, dementia awareness, and first aid.
Where possible, we send the same carer for each respite period. This builds familiarity and trust, making the experience easier for your loved one.
We do not believe in one-size-fits-all care. Every care plan is tailored to the individual, respecting their preferences, routines, and personality.
Our care management team is available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide support throughout the respite period.
Living Plus Care Services provides respite care at home across Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Our carers are based locally, ensuring reliable service and genuine community connection.
Our Hertfordshire branch provides respite care across the county, from our office at 32 Market Place, Hatfield AL10 0LN.
Our Cambridgeshire branch covers Peterborough and surrounding areas, from our office at Stuart House, East Wing, St John's Street, Peterborough.
Not sure if we cover your area? Call us on 01707 707599 to check availability.
OUR PREMIER CARE SERVICES
Our carers help with everyday tasks that make the difference between struggling at home and thriving at home.
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Learn MoreMore than just company – our carers build genuine relationships. From shared cups of tea to trips to the shops, we help reduce lon.....
Learn MoreCalm, consistent support from carers who understand dementia. We focus on maintaining routines, reducing anxiety, and h...
Taking the first step towards respite care can feel significant, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
