Respite Care Explained: How Short Breaks Support You and Your Loved One

Caring for a loved one is one of the most meaningful things you can do, but even the most dedicated carers need time to rest, recharge, and look after their own wellbeing. Respite care offers that opportunity. At Caraway House in Selsey, families rely on short stays to provide support, reassurance, and a safe environment for their loved ones while they take a well-earned break.

This refreshed guide explains what respite care is, how it works, and what you can expect during a temporary stay in West Sussex.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care provides temporary support for an older adult or someone living with health needs, giving their primary caregiver time away from daily responsibilities. It can be a chance for the person receiving care to enjoy new surroundings, social interaction, and a personalised routine, while the caregiver steps back to rest.

At Caraway House, respite stays also provide continuity of care, comfort, and a structured approach tailored to each individual.

The Benefits of Respite Care

A short break can be beneficial for both the caregiver and the person receiving support.

For the caregiver, respite care provides time to relax, take a holiday, or simply focus on their own needs. Regular breaks help prevent burnout and allow you to return feeling refreshed.

For the person staying with us, a temporary break brings variety, gentle stimulation, and the chance to meet new people. Days are filled with activities, good food, and the reassurance of personalised care from trained staff.

Respite Care at Caraway House

At Caraway House, respite care is available for a minimum stay of three weeks. This timeframe helps us create an effective, personalised care plan, settle the resident into their new surroundings, and ensure a smooth transition both in and out of the home.

Shorter respite periods may be available through other providers, but our approach focuses on offering a comfortable, higher-quality experience that supports older adults with dignity and consistency.

Caraway House provides respite within residential care, nursing care, and dementia care, ensuring every stay is suited to individual needs.

Planning for Respite Care

Good planning helps make the stay as smooth and enjoyable as possible. When you enquire with us, we discuss:

• Your loved one’s personal preferences
• The level of support they need each day
• Mobility, communication, or clinical requirements
• Interests and routines that help them feel at home

Keeping notes about daily care tasks is helpful when identifying where support is most needed. We also advise considering any funding options or financial assessments available locally.

Finding and Accessing Respite Care

When arranging a short break, peace of mind is essential. Families often choose respite care at Caraway House because it offers a safe, friendly setting with expert staff available day and night. Loved ones remain well cared for while you take time away.

To support the decision-making process, be sure to research local providers and visit the home in person. A tour helps you get a feel for the environment and ask any questions about routine, activities, and care plans.

What to Expect During a Temporary Stay

During a short stay, our trained team supports residents with everything from daily tasks to wellbeing and social activities. A personalised plan helps us understand what someone enjoys, their preferred meals, and how best to support them.

Friends and family are welcome to visit throughout the stay, offering reassurance and a sense of normality.

Why Families Choose Out of Home Respite Care

Out of home respite care gives families confidence that their loved one is receiving high-quality support. This can be especially helpful if someone has complex needs, struggles with daily tasks, or lives with conditions such as dementia.

Many families tell us that a good respite experience helps their loved one gain confidence, feel more social, and sometimes consider longer term care in the future.

Short Notice Respite Stays

Depending on availability and the level of care required, we may be able to arrange respite stays at short notice. Safety is always our priority, so we assess each enquiry carefully to ensure we have the right equipment, staffing, and clinical expertise in place. Those with higher care needs may require additional support.

Get in Touch

If you are exploring respite care in Selsey or West Sussex, our team is here to help you plan a short break with confidence. Contact Caraway House to check availability, discuss personalised costs, or arrange a visit to see the home for yourself.

This blog post was updated on Tuesday, 18th November 2025.