Last Updated: July 24, 2026
Summary
- Care home holidays offer a sensible solution for families who want to go away together when one person needs professional daily support.
- These respite holidays for the elderly allow individuals requiring support to stay in a safe care facility at night, while family members stay nearby.
- This practical arrangement allows families to enjoy a traditional break together without the stress of managing complex care needs.
Choosing care home holidays to enjoy a restorative break
Whether you are caring for a relative or are in need of care and support yourself, getting away for a break from daily routine can be beneficial all round. Rather than having a holiday as a family, often one person will have a respite stay in a care home, where they are safe with professional carers and can join in the social life and activities with other residents, while their relatives go away for a relaxing and restorative break. That works well for many families, but what if they want to go away together?
That was the dilemma that faced Paul Griffiths and his wife Valerie, who live in Doncaster. They regularly used to have family holidays in Bournemouth, but Paul has Multiple Sclerosis and he and Valerie found it was becoming increasingly challenging to manage his needs while staying in a hotel. It became so difficult that they ended one holiday after just two days and one year they decided to miss out on a holiday completely.
Paul was determined that there would be a way to have a family holiday that would be relaxing and enjoyable for both him and Valerie.
The solution he came up with was to book himself a respite stay at a care home in Bournemouth, while Valerie and her sister Lynn stayed in a nearby hotel. This provides the benefits of respite care so they can have a great holiday and spend quality time together.
NHS guidance confirms a short stay in a care home is an established respite option that lets families take a break. Funding is decided after a carer’s assessment and a needs assessment, followed by a financial assessment. Care can also be arranged through direct payments. Carer’s Allowance can continue for up to four weeks of respite in any twenty-six week period, though the cared-for person’s disability benefit may stop after twenty-eight days.
Current average weekly fees stand at one thousand three hundred and seventy-one pounds, with respite stays typically attracting a ten to fifteen per cent premium. Most homes now offer respite care.
Each morning the care team would help Paul to get up, washed and dressed, give him breakfast and help him into his wheelchair. Valerie and Lynn would then collect him and they would spend the day together visiting local attractions and restaurants.
In the evening Paul returned to the care home while Valerie and Lynn enjoyed their hotel. Paul said the standard felt like a good quality hotel, the food was excellent and the staff made him feel welcome and respected his dignity.
Paul said: “I would be out all day and after that I was tired and just wanted to get out of my chair and into bed.”
Many families now find this arrangement works well and gives everyone the break they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are care home holidays and how do they work?
These holidays allow a person needing support to stay in a care facility temporarily, while their family stays in nearby accommodation. This arrangement gives the family a chance to enjoy a traditional break together without managing complex daily care routines. The NHS includes these as practical respite care options for families.
Are there specific respite hotels for the elderly?
While people often search for this term, it rarely exists as a formal category. Families are usually looking for a short-stay care home or nursing home that offers temporary respite stays. The focus is on finding a registered care facility that can safely handle specific personal routines and support rather than a standard hotel.
How much do respite holidays for the elderly cost?
Costs vary depending on the home and the level of care required. Respite stays typically cost a bit more per week than permanent residency, sometimes carrying a ten to fifteen percent premium. According to Age UK, council funding might be available after a financial assessment.
Can you book a short care home stay in advance?
Some homes do accept advance bookings, which helps families plan their time away. However, availability can be limited because permanent residents are often prioritised. It is best to start your search early to secure a room for the dates you need.
What should we look for when choosing a care home for a holiday stay?
It is important to check the facility can safely manage the individual’s specific health and mobility needs during their stay. Review their inspection reports and ask about staff, food, and daily activities. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) recommends checking if the home provides person-centred care that respects dignity and routines.
