Respite Care in Bournemouth

Bournemouth's mix of seafront flats, family homes and a large retired population means demand for respite care is high, especially through the busy summer months. Whether you live in Boscombe, Southbourne, Kinson or Westbourne, planning a break early gives you more choice of provider.

Families often begin with home care visits so they can take a few hours for themselves each week. For holidays or longer rests, live in care keeps your loved one at home, while care homes and nursing homes along the coast offer short stays with full support.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council funds the CRISP Carers Support Service, which offers unpaid carers information, emotional support and help to plan breaks. BCP Council's adult social care team can also arrange a carer's assessment.

Local support, NHS and funding in Bournemouth

BCP Council is responsible for adult social care in Bournemouth. Ask them for a needs assessment for the person you care for and a carer’s assessment for yourself. If you are eligible, the council may arrange or help pay for respite, usually after a financial assessment, and some families use direct payments to arrange care themselves. Visit the BCP Council website.

If your loved one’s needs are mainly health related, ask their GP or social worker about NHS continuing healthcare, which is arranged and paid for by the NHS. The NHS guide to carer breaks and respite care also sets out the options.

Benefits can help with the cost. Attendance Allowance is not means tested and is paid to people over State Pension age who need help with care, and Carer’s Allowance may be available if you care for 35 hours a week or more. Our guide to funding respite care and carer’s assessment guide explain more.

Your local Age UK may offer carers support and sitting services, and you can search for charity grants towards the cost of a break through Turn2us.

Booking respite care in Bournemouth

Before you book, check the provider’s latest inspection report from the CQC and ask about availability, the minimum length of stay and what is included in the price. Short stay places in Bournemouth can fill up around school holidays and Christmas, so it helps to enquire a few weeks ahead. If this is your first break, a few home care visits or a short trial stay can help your loved one settle.

Every provider listed here can be contacted directly through respite-care.co.uk. Use the filters to narrow by type of care or condition, then send a free, no obligation enquiry to the providers that suit you. If you are new to arranging a break, our guide to getting a carer’s assessment explains how to ask the council for help with the cost.