Respite Home Care for Families in Leicestershire
Give yourself the break you deserve. Our flexible respite care provides professional support for your loved one whilst you rest, recharge or attend to your own life – from a few hours to several weeks across Market Harborough and Leicestershire.
You Deserve a Break – Respite Care That Supports the Whole Family
Caring for a loved one is one of the most rewarding things you can do, but it's also one of the most demanding. Whether you're supporting someone with dementia, a physical disability, or recovering from illness, the emotional and physical toll of caring can leave you exhausted, stressed and isolated.
Respite care isn't a luxury – it's essential for your wellbeing. Taking regular breaks helps you avoid burnout, maintain your own health, preserve your relationship with the person you care for, and simply live your own life alongside your caring responsibilities.
Xcel Homes provides flexible respite care across Market Harborough and Leicestershire, giving you the freedom to rest, work, take a holiday, attend appointments or simply have time to yourself – all whilst knowing your loved one is safe, comfortable and receiving excellent care from our experienced team.
Our respite care can be arranged for a few hours, a full day, overnight, a week, or several weeks. We can provide visiting care at your loved one's home, or live-in care if they need 24-hour support. We adapt to your circumstances, not the other way around.
Quick Facts
What Does Respite Care Include?
During respite periods, our carers provide comprehensive support covering all your loved one's needs:
Personal Care & Daily Support
- •All personal hygiene needs (washing, bathing, dressing)
- •Toileting and continence care
- •Medication prompts and administration
- •Meal preparation and support with eating
- •Mobility assistance and transfers
- •Light housekeeping and laundry
Companionship & Activities
- •Friendly conversation and engagement
- •Activities based on interests
- •Support with hobbies
- •Outings and fresh air (walks, garden time)
- •Social interaction and stimulation
- •Emotional reassurance
Health & Safety
- •Health monitoring and observation
- •Liaison with healthcare professionals if needed
- •Falls prevention and safety checks
- •Following existing care routines
- •Administering medication as prescribed
- •Emergency response if required
Maintaining Routine
- •Following your loved one's usual routine
- •Familiar meal preferences
- •Regular sleep patterns maintained
- •Consistent approach to care
- •Detailed handover notes for your return
- •Photos/updates if you'd like them
Flexible Respite Care Options to Suit Your Needs
We offer various respite care arrangements depending on how long you need support and your loved one's needs:
A Few Hours' Break
2-4 hours
Attending appointments, shopping, meeting friends, personal time
Visiting carer provides companionship and light care at home
Regular Weekly Respite
Same day/time each week (e.g., every Wednesday 10am-2pm)
Working, regular commitments, consistent break for your wellbeing
Visiting care on a recurring schedule
Full Day Care
8-12 hours
Day trips, family events, work commitments, personal rest day
Carer present throughout the day covering all care needs
Overnight Respite
Evening through to morning (12-16 hours)
Getting a full night's sleep, overnight commitments
Overnight carer (sleeping or waking night care)
Extended Respite (Live-In)
Several days to several weeks
Holidays, hospital stays (yours), recovery from illness, avoiding burnout
Live-in carer moves into the home providing 24-hour support
Why Taking Breaks Makes You a Better Carer
Many family carers feel guilty about taking time off, but respite care benefits everyone:
Prevents Burnout
Regular breaks help you avoid physical and emotional exhaustion, reducing stress and improving your own health and wellbeing.
Preserves Relationships
Time apart can actually improve your relationship with the person you care for, helping you be more patient and present when you're together.
Maintains Your Identity
You're not just a carer – you're a person with your own needs, interests and life. Respite helps you maintain your sense of self.
Better Quality Care
When you're rested and recharged, you can provide better, more patient care. Self-care isn't selfish – it's essential.
Emergency Backup
If you fall ill or have an emergency, having established respite care means your loved one's needs are covered without crisis.
Work & Life Balance
Respite care enables you to maintain employment, social connections and personal commitments alongside caring responsibilities.
Who Uses Respite Care?
Respite care supports family carers in many different situations:
Family Carers Who:
- •Care for someone with dementia
- •Support a partner or parent with physical disabilities
- •Provide care whilst working full-time
- •Look after someone recovering from surgery or illness
- •Care for someone with complex health needs
- •Support a loved one with learning disabilities
- •Are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted
- •Need to maintain their own health appointments
Specific Situations:
- •Going on holiday whilst ensuring care continues
- •Hospital admission (carer's own health needs)
- •Work commitments or business trips
- •Family events (weddings, christenings)
- •Attending courses or training
- •Recovery from illness or surgery (carer's own)
- •Regular weekly breaks for wellbeing
- •Emergency situations
Many family carers only consider respite care when they're at crisis point, but planning regular breaks – even small ones – helps prevent reaching that stage. You don't have to be at breaking point to deserve time off.
Emergency & Planned Respite Care
Planned Respite
Arrange weeks or months in advance
Holidays, known commitments, regular scheduled breaks
- • Time to meet and introduce carers before respite begins
- • Comprehensive care plan prepared
- • Preferred carers allocated
Call us to discuss dates and arrange assessment
Emergency Respite
Urgent situations – often same-day or next-day
Carer illness, unexpected hospital admission, crisis situations, immediate need
- • Rapid response when you need it most
- • Experienced carers familiar with emergency setups
While we always recommend planning respite in advance where possible, we understand emergencies happen. We prioritize urgent respite requests and can often arrange care within 24 hours if you're suddenly hospitalized, fall ill, or simply reach breaking point and need immediate help.
What Family Carers Say About Our Respite Care
"I care for my husband who has Parkinson's and it's been four years since we had a proper break. Xcel arranged a live-in carer for two weeks so we could visit our daughter in Australia. The carer was wonderful with my husband – followed his routine perfectly, kept him active and engaged. Knowing he was in good hands meant I could actually relax and enjoy the trip. It saved my sanity and probably our relationship."
Barbara M.
Wife and carer, Market Harborough
"Mum has dementia and I was struggling to cope whilst working full-time. Xcel arranged respite care every Wednesday so I could work without constantly worrying. The same carer comes each week, so Mum knows her and looks forward to the visits. It's given me my life back whilst still being there for Mum the rest of the time. I should have done it sooner."
James T.
Son and full-time carer, Leicester
"I ended up in hospital myself and panicked about who'd care for Dad. Xcel arranged emergency respite within hours – a lovely carer moved in and looked after Dad for the week I was away. Dad was fine, the house was spotless when I got back, and I could focus on recovering. They were brilliant in a crisis."
Susan P.
Daughter and carer, Wigston
How to Arrange Respite Care
Contact Us
Call or email to discuss your respite needs, when you need care, and for how long. No judgment – just practical support.
Free Assessment
We visit your home to meet your loved one, understand their care needs and preferences, and create a respite care plan.
Meet Your Carer
We introduce you to the carer(s) who'll provide respite so everyone feels comfortable before your break begins.
Enjoy Your Break
Take your break knowing your loved one is in safe, experienced hands. We keep you updated if you'd like, or give you complete peace.
Funding Respite Care
Carer's Allowance & Breaks
If you receive Carer's Allowance or Carer's Assessment, you may be entitled to funded respite breaks through your local authority.
Action: Request a Carer's Assessment from Leicestershire County Council
Learn More →Direct Payments
Use direct payments or personal budgets to fund respite care through Xcel Homes with flexibility and choice.
Eligibility: Approved through council assessment
Find Out More →Local Authority Support
Some councils provide emergency respite funding for family carers in crisis situations or regular planned breaks.
Action: Contact Adult Social Services to discuss respite options
Contact Council →Private Self-Funding
Pay directly with transparent hourly or weekly rates. Many families find respite care costs less than they expected.
From £X/hour or £900-£1,400/week for live-in
Don't let cost concerns stop you from exploring respite care. We can discuss funding options, help you apply for financial support, and work with your budget to find an affordable solution. Your wellbeing matters.
CQC-Registered Respite Care Provider
Xcel Homes Ltd is registered with the Care Quality Commission for personal care services, including short-term and respite care arrangements. Our carers are experienced in stepping into new situations quickly and providing consistent, compassionate care.
View Our CQC Report
Frequently Asked Questions About Respite Care
Ready to Take the Break You Deserve?
You don't have to wait until you're at breaking point. Let us support you with flexible respite care that gives you time to rest, recharge and live your own life whilst your loved one receives excellent care.
Address
Xcel Homes Ltd
Kettering Road, Market Harborough
Leicestershire, LE16 8AN
