Planning Summer Respite Care: Your Holiday Guide for Family Carers

Planning a summer holiday? Demand for respite care often increases during the school holidays, so it's worth exploring your options as early as possible.

Your holiday is booked. The countdown has begun.

But instead of looking forward to it, you can't stop thinking about the person you're leaving behind.

Will Mum be okay?

Will Dad settle somewhere new?

Should I just cancel the trip?

If you're caring for an elderly parent or loved one, these thoughts are completely understandable. For many family carers, planning a holiday brings as much guilt as excitement.

The good news is, it doesn't have to.

With the right support, you can take a well-earned break knowing your loved one is receiving compassionate, personalised care in a safe and welcoming environment.

At Dovehaven, we've been supporting families across Lancashire, Merseyside and the wider North West for more than 40 years. Every summer, we help carers enjoy time away with confidence while their loved ones continue receiving the care, companionship and reassurance they deserve.

Why taking a break matters

Caring for someone you love is one of life's greatest responsibilities.

It's also one of the most demanding.

Whether you're helping every day or supporting around work and family commitments, caring can leave very little time to look after yourself.

Many carers put holidays on hold for years because they worry about stepping away.

But taking a break isn't about caring less.

It's about making sure you can continue caring well.

Time to rest, spend time with your own family or simply recharge can have a positive impact on your wellbeing, helping you return refreshed and ready for whatever comes next.

New to respite care?

If you're exploring respite care for the first time, you may have questions about how it works, who it's suitable for and what to expect during a short stay.

Our guide, What Is Respite Care? A Guide to Short-Term Respite Care in the North West, explains everything you need to know, from who can benefit from respite care to how short-term stays support both older people and family carers.

What if they enjoy their respite stay?

This is one of the biggest surprises for many families. While you're worrying about whether your loved one will settle, they may be making new friends, joining activities, enjoying freshly prepared meals or relaxing in the garden with a cup of tea.

One of the loveliest things we hear from families after a respite stay is "I wish we'd done this sooner."

Many tell us their biggest concern was whether their loved one would settle. Their biggest surprise was how comfortable, relaxed and happy they seemed during their stay.

Respite care isn't about replacing family. It's about providing expert support while giving everyone the opportunity to recharge.

Your Summer Holiday Respite Checklist

Planning ahead helps make the experience smoother for everyone.

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for respite care, so booking early gives you more choice and allows plenty of time to prepare.

Six weeks before you travel

✔ Research respite care options.

✔ Arrange visits to care homes.

✔ Discuss your loved one's care needs.

✔ Check availability for your holiday dates.

Visiting a care home before booking gives you the opportunity to meet the team, ask questions and see whether it feels like the right fit.

Four weeks before you travel

Once you've chosen a care home:

✔ Share medication information.

✔ Talk through daily routines and preferences.

✔ Discuss favourite foods, hobbies and interests.

✔ Complete any paperwork.

The more your care team knows, the more personalised your loved one's stay can be.

Two weeks before you travel

Help your loved one prepare by packing familiar items such as:

• Comfortable clothing
• Favourite photographs
• Toiletries
• Books or puzzles
• A favourite blanket or cushion
• Glasses, hearing aids and chargers

These small touches often help people settle more quickly.

A few days before

Speak positively about the stay.

Instead of focusing on leaving, talk about what they'll be doing while you're away. Your confidence can help build theirs.

Common mistakes to avoid

A little preparation can make all the difference.

Here are some of the most common mistakes families make when arranging respite care:

• Waiting until the last minute. Summer is a popular time for respite care, so availability can become limited.
• Not arranging a visit first. Visiting beforehand helps everyone feel more comfortable and gives you the chance to ask questions.
• Keeping routines to yourself. Sharing favourite meals, hobbies and daily habits helps us provide more personalised care.
• Packing too little. Familiar belongings can make a new environment feel much more like home.
• Thinking respite care is only for emergencies. Many families use planned respite care every year to support holidays, celebrations or simply to take a well-deserved break.

Staying connected while you're away

It's perfectly natural to wonder how often you should check in.

Every family is different, which is why we'll discuss the best approach with you before your holiday.

Some families like regular updates, while others prefer to give their loved one a little time to settle into their new routine.

Whatever feels right for you, our team is always here to offer reassurance and answer any questions.

Knowing your loved one is in safe hands allows you to enjoy your holiday without constantly worrying about what might be happening back home.

Why choosing respite care close to home can help

For many families, staying local offers extra reassurance.

Whether you live in Southport, Preston, Liverpool, Warrington, Oldham, Accrington or elsewhere across the North West, choosing respite care close to home makes it easier for family and friends to visit before, during or after your holiday.

Remaining close to familiar places and regular visitors can also help your loved one settle more quickly and feel connected throughout their stay.

What happens after your holiday?

Every respite stay is different.

Some people are delighted to return home with familiar routines.

Others leave with new friendships, happy memories and stories about the activities they've enjoyed.

Many families tell us that what began as a one-off stay gave them the confidence to plan future holidays or short breaks without the same level of worry.

For others, respite care offers a gentle introduction to care home life, making future decisions feel much less overwhelming.

Thinking about a summer holiday?

If you're planning time away this summer, now is a great time to start exploring respite care options.

Our welcoming care homes across Southport, Preston, Liverpool, Warrington, Oldham and Accrington provide compassionate residential, nursing and dementia respite care for families throughout the North West.

Whether you're booking a week's holiday, attending a family celebration or simply taking some time to recharge, our friendly team is here to help you plan with confidence.

Arrange a visit, meet our team and discover how a respite stay can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved one. Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book respite care for a summer holiday?

We recommend getting in touch as soon as your holiday dates are confirmed. Summer is one of the busiest times for respite care, and planning ahead gives you more choice and time to prepare.

Can I visit before making a decision?

Absolutely. We encourage families to visit, meet our team and see the home for themselves before booking a respite stay.

Will my loved one be able to keep their usual routine?

Yes. We take time to understand daily routines, preferences, hobbies and care needs so we can provide personalised support throughout their stay.

Is respite care only for holidays?

Not at all. Families also choose respite care while recovering from illness, attending weddings or special occasions, taking a short break or simply giving themselves time to rest and recharge.

Where does Dovehaven provide respite care?

Dovehaven offers residential, nursing and dementia respite care across the North West, with care homes in Southport, Preston, Liverpool, Warrington, Oldham and Accrington. Our team can help you find the most suitable location for your loved one's needs.

‍