London has more respite care options than anywhere else in the UK, but it can feel overwhelming to search across 32 boroughs. Whether you need someone to sit with a parent for an afternoon in Islington or a two week stay in a care home in Richmond, the right provider is often closer than you think.
Most families in London start with home care, where a carer visits for a few hours so you can rest, work or attend appointments. For longer breaks, live in care lets your loved one stay in familiar surroundings, while care homes and nursing homes across the capital offer short stays with round the clock support.
Each London borough runs its own adult social care team and funds a local carers' service. Contact your borough council to ask for a carer's assessment, which can lead to help paying for regular breaks. Many boroughs also have specialist dementia respite through day centres and sitting services.
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.