Respite Care
Caring for someone you love is rewarding but demanding. Sometimes you need a break to rest and recharge. At Canwick House, we provide calm, caring respite care so your loved one is well looked after whilst you take the time you need for yourself.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care offers short-term support in a calm, caring home, giving you and your family time to rest, recover or attend to other commitments, while knowing your loved one is safe and well cared for.
At Canwick House, respite stays are shaped to feel as comfortable and familiar as possible. Whether for a week or a little longer, we focus on helping residents settle quickly, follow familiar routines and feel at ease in their surroundings.
Many families also choose respite care as a gentle way to experience life at Canwick House, with no pressure and no long-term commitment, simply time to see how it feels.
Who is it for?
Respite care can be helpful when you need short-term support, whether planned or unexpected.
You might consider a respite stay if you are a family carer who needs time to rest, if your loved one needs extra support after illness or surgery, or if life at home feels temporarily unsettled.
Some families also choose respite care as a gentle way to experience life at Canwick House, with no pressure and no long-term commitment.
40 years
A calm, welcoming home for short stays
CQC Good
An independently rated standard of care
No minimum stay
From a weekend to several weeks
Our approach to care
From the moment you arrive at Canwick House, respite care is designed to feel calm, welcoming and familiar. The smell of home-cooked food, gentle background music and warm greetings help your loved one feel at ease straight away.
Our small, long-standing team take time to help each person settle in, following familiar routines and preferences wherever possible. We focus on comfort and reassurance, so even a short stay feels relaxed and unhurried.
Days follow a gentle rhythm, with time in the garden, home-cooked meals, quiet moments or companionship, depending on what feels right.
Families are always welcome, and we keep you informed in the way that suits you, so you can take time away knowing your loved one is safe and well cared for.
How are you feeling?
It's okay not to have all the answers right now. Taking this step takes courage, and we'll walk through every question, every concern, and every worry with you. You don't have to figure this out alone.
The important questions
Respite stays at Canwick House are flexible and shaped around what works for you and your family. Most stays range from a few days to several weeks, though we can accommodate longer periods if needed. There's no minimum or maximum length, whether you need a long weekend to attend a wedding, two weeks for a holiday, or a month to recover from surgery, we'll work with you to arrange the support you need. Some families prefer shorter, more frequent breaks, perhaps a week every couple of months, whilst others arrange longer stays once or twice a year. We're happy to discuss what pattern might work best for your situation.
Yes, absolutely. Many families use respite care as a gentle way to experience life at Canwick House, with no pressure or expectation of anything permanent. If during or after a respite stay you feel that permanent care might be the right next step, we can have that conversation openly and honestly. If a room becomes available and it feels right for everyone, the transition can happen smoothly because your loved one will already be settled and familiar with our team. Equally, if respite is all you need, that's perfectly fine too. There's no obligation either way, respite care is simply about giving you the break you need right now.
We'll provide a full list when you book, but generally we suggest bringing comfortable everyday clothing, nightwear and slippers, toiletries and any personal care items your loved one prefers, any mobility aids they use regularly, and a few familiar items from home, perhaps photographs, a favourite blanket, or small personal treasures that bring comfort. If your loved one takes medication, please bring this in its original packaging with clear instructions. We'll arrange for prescriptions to be transferred to our local pharmacy if the stay is longer. Most importantly, bring any information that helps us understand your loved one's routines, preferences and what brings them reassurance, we want them to feel as comfortable and at home as possible.
Funding for respite care works similarly to permanent care, though it's typically charged on a weekly basis for the duration of the stay. Most respite care at Canwick House is self-funded, with weekly fees starting from £1,200 depending on individual needs. Some local authorities may provide financial support for respite care if your loved one meets certain criteria, though this varies by area. We'll talk you through the costs openly and help you understand what financial support might be available for your particular situation. The most important thing is that you get the break you need whilst knowing your loved one is safe and well cared for.
