Respite care at home in London
Caring for someone you love is hard work. Respite care gives you time to rest, work, see friends or go away, knowing your loved one is in good hands at home.
- A few hours or a few nights
- Your loved one stays at home
- From £20 an hour
Looking after yourself is part of caring
Many family carers keep going for months or years without a proper break, often while juggling jobs, children and their own health at the same time. Tiredness builds up quietly, and it affects everyone in the home.
Respite care means another person steps in for a while, so you can step back. That might be one afternoon a week to do your own shopping, a few nights so you can sleep properly, or a week while you go on holiday. Your loved one stays in their own home, with their own routines, instead of moving somewhere unfamiliar.
Viola introduces you to a vetted, self-employed carer who suits your loved one and the way you do things. You agree the arrangements directly with the carer, and we handle the agreement, invoicing and payments. If you care for someone, it is also worth asking your local council for a carer’s assessment, and checking gov.uk for any support you may be entitled to.
Signs you might need a break
- You are tired most of the time and rarely sleep through the night
- You have cancelled your own appointments or plans because there is nobody to cover
- You feel short-tempered, guilty or low more often than before
- Your work, relationships or health are starting to suffer
- You have a holiday, operation or family event coming up and no cover arranged
- You cannot remember the last time you had a day off
Ways respite care can work
A few hours a week
A regular afternoon or morning to yourself, at £20 an hour.
Overnight breaks
A carer stays overnight from £140 a night, so you can sleep through.
Short-term live-in
A carer lives in while you are away. Short stays are arranged case by case.
Following your routine
You explain how things are done, and the carer keeps the day familiar.
Someone you have met
You talk to the carer first, so you know who will be there.
Regular cover
Book the same carer again and again, so respite becomes part of the week.
Partner carers support everyday living. They do not carry out medical procedures.
More than 1,000 families across Europe have found care through Viola
★ 4.9 / 5 reviews- 1,000+families across Europe have found care through Viola
- 160,000+hours of care arranged
- 4countries: the UK, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia
- 4.9 / 5average review rating from families
“It was great working with Viola, Jan made all efforts to get the right person for my needs and it worked out very well. I highly recommend Viola for home help”
“Thank you for the professional approach of Viola and the caregiver. Everything went quickly and smoothly.”
“The service is provided by very helpful and pleasant people. I have never had a problem where they did not have a solution. I have also always been very satisfied.”
Hourly, live-in or overnight care?
Calculate your weekly price
The hourly rate is always £20, regardless of the day of the week, weekends or bank holidays. Travel costs are included, and there are no hidden fees or additional charges.
Calculate your overnight care
Overnight care starts from £140 per night. The carer stays awake and available all night, usually from 10pm to 8am, and other times can be agreed. It can be combined with hourly care during the day.
Live-in care prices
Prices start from £150 per day. The final rate depends on the level of support needed, and we will confirm it with you before anything is agreed.
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How much does respite care cost?
Hourly care is £20 an hour, the same rate every day including weekends and bank holidays. Overnight care starts from £140 per night. Live-in care starts from £150 per day (from £1,050 per week).
Can I book live-in respite care for one or two weeks?
Live-in care is usually arranged for at least a month, but shorter stays are considered case by case. Get in touch as early as you can so there is time to find the right person.
How quickly can respite care start?
For hourly care, a suitable carer is usually introduced within 48 hours. Live-in care is usually arranged within 5 days.
Is there any financial help for carers?
You may be able to get a carer’s assessment from your local council, and some carers qualify for Carer’s Allowance. Rules depend on your situation, so check gov.uk or get advice before deciding. We are not benefits advisers, but we are happy to talk through the options for care itself.
