Respite Care in Bromley

Bromley is London's largest borough by area, stretching from busy town centres such as Bromley, Orpington and Beckenham out to the quieter villages of the Kent border. That spread means respite options vary a lot depending on where you live, so it helps to compare providers that cover your postcode.

Many Bromley families use home care for regular breaks, with a carer visiting during the day or staying overnight. For longer breaks, live in care and short stays in local care homes are popular, particularly for people living with dementia who settle best with continuity.

Unpaid carers in the borough can get advice, wellbeing support and help with planning breaks from the Bromley Well Carers Support Service. The London Borough of Bromley can also carry out a carer's assessment, which is the first step towards council funded respite.

Local support, NHS and funding in Bromley

The London Borough of Bromley is responsible for adult social care in Bromley. 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 London Borough of Bromley 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 Bromley

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 Bromley 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.