Taking a break from caring

Everyone needs a break sometimes – especially people who care for others. In Knowsley, we call this kind of break respite care. It means someone else steps in to help the person who needs care, so their usual carer can take time off.

Paying for Respite Care

The table below provides a summary of how charges are applied for respite care based on your savings and investments, and the respite care setting. It outlines the financial assessment process and who is responsible for paying the costs of respite care.

Where respite takes place If you have £23,250 or less in savings and investments If you have more Than £23,250 in savings and investments
In a care home or accommodation provided by Council’s Adult Respite Service
  • You will be asked to pay a fixed amount, set nationally each year.
  • The Council will not carry out a financial assessment.
  • You will be told the amount you will be required to pay during your social care needs assessment.
  • You will be asked to pay the full cost of the respite.
  • The Council will not carry out a financial assessment.
  • You will be informed of the cost by the care home or the Council.
Your own home or community setting
  • The Council will carry out a financial assessment.
  • You will be told the amount you will be required to pay during the assessment.
  • You will be asked to pay the full cost of the respite.
  • The Council will still carry out a financial assessment.
  • You will be told the amount you will be required to pay during the assessment.

Further information

  • If you are struggling to pay the fixed respite charge, you can request a full financial assessment. This will take into account your income, savings, and any ongoing expenses. You can make this request during your social care needs assessment.
  • Respite charges are paid by the person who needs care, not by the carer.
  • The Council only funds respite care if you have been assessed and found to need it.
  • You can find out more about paying for respite care on the Council’s Paying for adult social care web page.
  • No matter what the assessments show, the Council can offer you clear information and advice to help you find support that’s right for you.
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