A weekend away
Time to recharge
A wedding, a visit to friends, or simply two nights of proper sleep.
For family carers · North London
A little time for yourself. The same great care for them.
Caring for someone you love is a lot. Taking a break isn't selfish — it's how you keep going. Respite care means a trusted carer steps in at home while you rest, travel or deal with life.
What respite care involves
Temporary care, without the upheaval.
Respite care is short-term support at home — from a few visits a week to live-in care for a fortnight. Your loved one stays where they're comfortable, with their routines kept just as you'd want them.
Every arrangement starts with an assessment, so we understand their needs and can plan safely. Visit-based respite follows our usual minimum of seven hours a week, with visits of at least an hour.
When families use respite
Four common reasons to take a break.
While you're away
Everything you'd normally do — done your way.
You know your loved one best. We'll write down how you do things — the way they like their tea, the radio station in the morning, the words that help on a difficult evening — and follow it.
Personal care
Washing, dressing and continence care with dignity.
Medication support
Prompting or support as set out in the care plan.
Companionship
Conversation, hobbies and getting out — not just tasks.
Daily routines
Meals, housework, pets and the rhythm of the day kept as normal.
Respite for someone living with dementia
Change can be unsettling, so we keep as much the same as possible: their home, their routine, and — where we can — a carer they've met before you go. A meet-and-greet ahead of time helps everyone feel more at ease.
About our dementia care →Planned breaks and urgent requests
If you can, let us know a few weeks ahead so we can match carers and arrange introductions. If something unexpected happens, call us — we regularly arrange care at short notice, sometimes within 24 hours, subject to an assessment and suitable carers being available.
How respite is arranged.
- 1
Tell us your dates
And what’s involved in caring for your loved one day to day.
- 2
Free assessment
We visit to understand needs, risks, routines and the home.
- 3
Match & meet
We choose a suitable carer and, where possible, arrange a meet-and-greet.
- 4
Care while you’re away
Our office team stays in touch, and authorised family can see care notes online.
Respite care FAQs
How long can respite care last?
As long as you need — from a few days to several weeks. We’ll plan visits or live-in care to suit the length of your break.
How far ahead should we book?
A few weeks’ notice gives the most time for matching and introductions. For urgent situations we often arrange care at short notice, subject to assessment and availability.
Is an assessment needed for short-term care?
Yes. Even for a short break, we need to understand the person’s needs to provide safe care. It’s free and can usually be arranged quickly.
Can we meet the carer first?
Wherever possible, yes — we’ll try to arrange a meet-and-greet before your break.
Can respite care become regular care?
Yes. Some families start with respite and continue with regular visits afterwards.
Independent reviews
Kind words from the families we support.
Read genuine, independent reviews from people and families who have experienced care from Hedgerow Homecare.
You deserve a break. Let's plan it together.
Tell us when you need cover and a little about your loved one. We'll take it from there.