Respite Care: Give Family Carers a Well-Deserved Break
Professional respite care across Canterbury and Dover, giving family carers a well-deserved break whilst your loved one receives compassionate, consistent care in the comfort of their own home.
You Deserve a Break - And Your Loved One Deserves Quality Care
Caring for a family member is one of the most rewarding roles you'll ever have, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Whether you're supporting a parent with dementia, a partner recovering from illness, or a family member with complex care needs, taking time for yourself isn't selfish - it's essential.
Meridian Care's respite services provide professional, compassionate care that gives family carers the break they need whilst ensuring their loved ones receive excellent support. From a few hours to overnight stays, weekend breaks, or holiday cover, our experienced care team steps in seamlessly.
Our respite care isn't just about giving you time off - it's about giving you peace of mind. You can rest, recharge, and know your loved one is safe, comfortable, and happy.
CQC Registered & Rated 'Good'
Experienced Respite Care Team
Flexible From 2 Hours to 24-Hour Care
Consistent Carers Who Know Your Loved One
Emergency Respite Available
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is temporary, short-term care provided by professional carers to give family carers a break from their caring responsibilities. It can be planned in advance or arranged at short notice when you need urgent support.
Planned Respite Care
Regular, scheduled breaks built into your routine
Perfect for family carers who need consistent time off each week or month. Many families arrange regular respite care - such as one afternoon per week or one weekend per month.
Ideal for:
- Regular weekly breaks (e.g., every Wednesday afternoon)
- Monthly weekend respite
- Attending appointments or work commitments
- Maintaining your own health and wellbeing
Holiday Respite Care
Care cover whilst you take a holiday or break
Going on holiday shouldn't mean feeling guilty or worried. Our holiday respite care ensures your loved one is well cared for whilst you enjoy a well-deserved break.
Ideal for:
- Family holidays
- Weekend breaks
- Visiting other family members
- Taking time away to recharge
Emergency Respite Care
Urgent care when unexpected situations arise
When emergencies arise - such as your own illness, family crisis, or sudden care needs - we'll do our best to arrange respite care quickly.
Ideal for:
- Carer illness or medical appointments
- Family emergencies
- Sudden deterioration in condition
- Urgent need for a break
Overnight and 24-Hour Respite
Extended care including overnight stays
For family carers who need longer breaks or whose loved ones require overnight care, we provide overnight and 24-hour respite services. Subject to availability.
Ideal for:
- Overnight breaks
- Recovering from your own illness
- Attending overnight events
- Extended weekend respite
Who Benefits from Respite Care?
Respite care supports both family carers and the people they care for.
You Deserve Support Too
Caring for someone 24/7 can lead to exhaustion, stress, and burnout. Respite care gives you:
Physical Rest
Time to recover from the physical demands of caring, catch up on sleep, and attend to your own health needs.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Space to process emotions, reduce stress, and prevent carer burnout and depression.
Personal Time
Opportunity to maintain hobbies, see friends, attend social events, or simply enjoy quiet time alone.
Guilt-Free Breaks
Peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving professional, compassionate care whilst you recharge.
Your Loved One Benefits Too
Respite care isn't just about giving carers a break - it also benefits the person receiving care:
Social Interaction
Opportunity to interact with different people and engage in varied conversations and activities.
Professional Care
Access to trained carers with specialist skills and experience in areas like dementia care or mobility support.
Maintained Routines
Consistency and familiarity, with carers following established routines and preferences.
Reduced Family Tension
When family carers are less stressed, family relationships often improve, creating a more positive atmosphere.
"Taking regular breaks doesn't make you a bad carer - it makes you a better one. You can't pour from an empty cup."
Comprehensive Respite Care Services
Whatever your respite care needs, we provide flexible, professional support tailored to your family's situation.
Personal Care Support
Our respite carers provide all aspects of personal care, ensuring dignity, comfort, and safety.
Includes:
- Bathing, showering, and bed baths
- Dressing and undressing
- Toileting and continence care
- Grooming (hair care, shaving, nail care)
- Mobility and transfer assistance
- Medication prompts and administration
Companionship and Emotional Support
Loneliness can be as harmful as physical illness. Our carers provide warm companionship and emotional support.
Includes:
- Conversation and social interaction
- Reading, puzzles, and games
- Reminiscence and memory activities
- Emotional reassurance and comfort
- Support with hobbies and interests
- Accompanying to appointments or outings
Meal Preparation and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for health and wellbeing. We ensure your loved one eats well whilst you're away.
Includes:
- Planning and preparing nutritious meals
- Cooking fresh, home-cooked food
- Catering to dietary requirements
- Support with eating and drinking
- Monitoring fluid intake
- Snack preparation between meals
How to Arrange Respite Care with Meridian
Getting respite care is straightforward - we're here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Contact Us
Call, email, or complete our enquiry form. We'll discuss your respite care needs and when you need support.
Free Care Assessment
We'll visit your home for a comprehensive assessment. Completely free with no obligation.
Personalised Care Plan
Based on the assessment, we'll create a tailored respite care plan with clear pricing.
Respite Care Begins
Enjoy your break with complete peace of mind knowing your loved one is in safe, capable hands.
Regular Reviews
We'll regularly review the care plan and adapt as your respite requirements change.
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it - hear from the families we've supported across Canterbury, Dover and surrounding areas.
Rated 'Excellent' on Homecare.co.uk based on verified client reviews
You Deserve a Break - Let Us Help
Whether you need a few hours a week or extended holiday cover, our respite care gives you peace of mind whilst you recharge.
Available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. For urgent respite enquiries, please call us directly.
Respite Care: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about our respite care services. Can't find what you're looking for? Call us on Canterbury 01227 712300 or Dover 01304 240424.
Getting Started
Respite Care Arrangements
Care Quality and Safety
Specialist Respite Care
Costs and Funding
Emotional and Practical Concerns
Still have questions?
Call us: Canterbury: 01227 712300 | Dover: 01304 240424
Email: canterbury@meridian-care.co.uk
Or complete our enquiry form above for a free assessment.
Request Your Free Respite Care Assessment
Complete the form below, and we'll contact you to discuss your respite care needs and arrange a free, no-obligation assessment.
What Happens Next
We'll call you
Within 24 hours (Monday-Friday) to discuss your needs
Free home assessment
At a time convenient for you
Personalized care plan
With clear pricing and no obligation
Resources for Family Carers
Kent County Council - Carers Support
Carer's Assessments and local support. Call: 03000 41 61 61
Visit KCC Carers SupportCanterbury Branch
Meridian Care Ltd
Unit 88 Thomas Way
Canterbury, Kent CT3 4NH
Email: canterbury@meridian-care.co.uk
CQC Rating: Good - View Report
Dover Branch
1st Floor
25 Castle Street
Dover, Kent CT16 1PT
Email: canterbury@meridian-care.co.uk
CQC Rating: Good - View Report