Care companion serving scones to a couple at home
Respite care

A proper break for you, and care at home for them

Caring for someone you love can be a demanding job, and nobody should face it alone. Live-in respite care lets you take time away, knowing your loved one is supported at home.

✓Your family, your choices, our support ✓A small, friendly team you’ll get to know ✓Companionship at the heart of everything we do
Caring for a loved one

The impact on family carers

Caring for a loved one often means juggling hands-on care every day while still managing your own home and work. For most people it’s second nature, but it can become emotionally and physically exhausting.

Over time it can affect both the relationship and the carer’s own health.

Live-in respite care provides a much-needed break for everyone.

Some time away can make all the difference.

Family reading a book together at home
How it helps

What live-in respite care can include

1

The break you need

A relaxing, worry-free break or holiday, giving you the chance to recharge and come back to caring refreshed.

2

Care that fits around existing plans

We’ll find someone who works around any existing care plan, minimising disruption for your loved one.

3

Familiar home, familiar routine

Your loved one stays in their own home, with their routines, possessions and pets, rather than moving somewhere new for a short stay.

4

Flexible support

Life is unpredictable and needs change. We aim to offer a flexible service that works for everyone involved, whether that’s a one-off break or regular respite.

What happens next

Planning your break

The more notice we have, the easier it is to find the right person, but we’ll always do what we can.

1
As soon as you can

Tell us about your plans

Call or email us with your dates, or just the idea of a break. Some situations are urgent, and we’ll move as quickly as needed.

2
First conversation

We talk through what’s needed

We’ll take time to understand the person, their needs and what matters most to them, and explain the options and costs clearly.

3
Before care begins

We find the right care companion

We’ll meet you in person at home to answer any questions and gather the information we need. This helps us match the right care companion, based on personality as well as experience. You’ll be introduced to your care companion before anything is agreed.

4
Care begins

Support and guidance

Your care companion supports your loved one while you’re away, and we stay in touch as and when needed.

Read more about how live-in care works →

Tailored one-to-one support

Care companions we know and trust

We help you find the right companion, one who provides peace of mind while supporting independence in a safe, familiar home environment. Our long-standing relationships are with care companions who have proven themselves in providing excellent care, and over 25 years in the sector we’ve developed a highly selective recruitment process.

All our care companions have extensive live-in care experience, from companionship to complex dementia care. They are fully checked and vetted, including Enhanced DBS checks, a full work history, multiple professional references and verified, up-to-date training.

On top of all the mandatory checks, we look for people who are naturally caring and compassionate, and who share our values of trust and integrity.

Care companion and client with their dog
Common questions

Questions families often ask

How long can respite care last?

Respite can be arranged for a holiday, a few weeks, or as regular breaks throughout the year. Talk to us about what you need and we’ll explain what’s possible.

Will it fit around our existing care?

Yes. We’ll find someone to work around any existing care plan, helping to minimise disruption.

Can respite care become longer-term?

It can. For some families, a period of respite shows how much difference live-in care makes, and it becomes an ongoing arrangement.

Do we get to meet the care companion first?

Yes. You’ll be introduced to your care companion before anything is agreed, so you can be confident they’re the right fit.

What does live-in care cost?

Live-in care is typically around £1,300 per week, depending on the level of support needed. We’ll talk you through the costs clearly before you decide anything.

Ready for a break?

Call us to talk through your plans.

Call 01730 624 070
Get in touch

Happy to talk through your situation, with no obligation

Call the team to talk through your situation and needs. We’ll listen, offer guidance, and help you understand your options.

We’ll usually get back to you the same day. Your details are handled in accordance with our privacy policy.

“McDonald Homecare provided an incredible service. Unlike other agencies we tried, they tailored everything to suit our mother’s needs. They made a difficult situation easy and enabled her to stay in the home she loved.”

Mrs L. Matthers

Or call us directly:


📍 Lavender House, Larcombe Road, Petersfield, Hampshire
Leigh and Anila McDonald, founders of McDonald Homecare