Care service

Respite Care

A genuine break for the family carer, without compromising on care

Family carers give an extraordinary amount, often without a proper break for months or years at a time. Respite care exists to protect against that burnout — not as a luxury, but as a genuinely necessary part of sustainable caregiving.

Whether you need a few hours a week to yourself, cover for a holiday, or support during a hospital stay of your own, respite carers on Empatha are matched with the same rigour as any ongoing booking — because a short-term arrangement still deserves the right fit.

What's included

Short-term or occasional cover, from a few hours to several days
A full handover of routines, preferences and care notes before the first visit
The same verification standard as any other Empatha carer
Flexible scheduling — regular weekly respite, or one-off cover
Peace of mind through in-app messaging and care notes throughout
The option to book the same respite carer repeatedly for consistency

Who it's ideal for

Family carers who haven't had a proper break in some time
Cover during a family carer's holiday, illness, or appointment
A trial run before considering more regular outside support
Anyone easing the transition from all-family care to shared care

Questions

Respite Care — frequently asked

The sooner the better for the best match, but respite requests can often be arranged with a few days' notice depending on carer availability in your area.

Yes — many families start with occasional respite and move to a regular weekly booking once they see how it works.

Your care request and any care notes are shared with the matched carer ahead of the visit, so they arrive properly briefed.

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