How much do care homes charge for a respite stay?
Respite stays are usually charged at the home's weekly rate or slightly above, so typically around £1,450 to £1,700 a week in England, based on The Care Panel's Q4 2026 Index, depending on whether residential or nursing care is needed. Some homes set a minimum stay of one or two weeks. If the council arranges respite, the person's home is ignored, and for stays of up to eight weeks the council can choose to charge as for care at home, which may cost less.
Reviewed by The Care Panel editorial team on 22 October 2026. How we check our information.
Typical respite costs
Most care homes charge respite at their standard weekly rate, and some add a short-stay premium to cover the extra admin and room turnover. Using typical England fees from our Care Fees and Quality Index (Q4 2026):
| Type of respite | 1 week | 2 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | £1,450 | £2,900 |
| Residential dementia (about +£65) | £1,515 | £3,030 |
| Nursing | £1,690 | £3,380 |
Premiums vary by home, so always ask for a written quote. Fees in London are higher; see care home costs in England for local figures.
Minimum stays and booking
- Many homes set a minimum stay of one or two weeks.
- Respite rooms are limited, so book early for summer and Christmas.
- Homes usually need an assessment, medication list and care details before admission.
- Ask about the cancellation policy and whether a deposit is needed.
Our guide to respite stays in care homes covers what to pack and how to prepare.
If the council arranges the respite
After a needs assessment, or a carer's assessment for the family carer, the council can arrange and contribute to respite. For a temporary stay, the value of the person's own home is ignored in the financial assessment. For short stays of up to eight weeks, the council may choose to charge as if the person were receiving care at home rather than in a care home, which can mean a lower contribution. Councils differ in how they apply this, so ask for their charging policy. Use What will I pay? to estimate your share, and read about council respite care.
Other ways to pay
- Attendance Allowance continues during a self-funded respite stay and can go towards the cost.
- Carers' charities sometimes offer grants for breaks.
- A respite stay can double as a trial before choosing a home permanently.
To compare with care at home, see respite care options such as a short period of live-in care.