Not sure where to start?

Call 020 8153 3774
Muzaana Care Services
Call MCSRequest Care

Flexible care

Care for a short time, when you need it

Short-term care is agreed for a period, while respite care takes on some or all of the tasks a family carer usually handles. Both begin with an assessment and written care plan.

Ask about short-term care

Prefer to speak to someone? Call 020 8153 3774

An older woman and a Muzaana care worker beside a branded car at the seafront

Understanding the service

What short-term and respite care means

Temporary support can help during a planned break, appointment, illness or change in the usual routine. Some people arrange it once, while others ask about regular periods of respite.

Respite care gives a family carer time away by covering some or all of the everyday tasks they usually provide. Muzaana assesses and plans temporary care in the same way as ongoing care.

What support can look like

What short-term care can include

Temporary care follows the person’s established routines wherever possible. The assessment and handover identify the help to include.

  • Personal care

    A carer can help with washing, dressing, grooming, oral care and continence in the way agreed with the person.

  • Meals and drinks

    Support can follow familiar food choices, preparation methods and mealtime routines recorded during the handover.

  • Medication support

    Any support with medication is assessed, agreed and recorded in the care plan.

  • Mobility and transfers

    After assessment, carers follow the method and use any equipment agreed in the care plan.

  • Companionship

    Visits can include conversation, shared interests and time alongside the person in their usual surroundings.

  • Light household tasks

    Carers may help with washing up, changing bed linen or keeping the immediate living space tidy when these tasks form part of the plan.

  • Appointments and activities

    A carer may accompany the person when the appointment or activity and its practical arrangements have been agreed beforehand.

  • Handover and contact information

    The plan records key routines, relevant contacts and how carers should report a concern or change.

What to understand

Planning temporary care

A detailed handover matters

Temporary does not mean improvised. Before care begins, Muzaana learns how the person communicates, which routines matter and what a carer needs to know about the home.

  • Food, drinks, allergies and usual meal routines
  • Any support with medication, which is assessed, agreed and recorded in the care plan
  • Moving and transfers after assessment, using the method and equipment agreed in the care plan
  • Communication, personal care and household details
  • The people to contact and the agreed route for reporting a concern

Dates and booking details must be confirmed

Ask as early as you can about the period under consideration. Muzaana will explain current availability and any minimum booking before you decide, but an enquiry does not confirm that care can start.

Muzaana does not promise emergency cover. If someone faces an immediate risk or medical emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service rather than waiting for a care enquiry response.

The person remains at the centre of the plan

A family carer can explain what usually happens, but Muzaana also asks the person about their wishes, privacy and choices. Information is shared only with consent or another lawful basis.

How care begins

Starting care is simpler than you may think

  1. Tell us what support is needed

    Tell us what is happening, what support may help and which routines or preferences matter to the person.

  2. Have a care conversation and assessment

    We discuss the person’s needs, choices and day-to-day circumstances, including any risks or practical points that need a clear plan.

  3. Agree the care plan and practical arrangements

    The written plan records the agreed support, how the person wants it provided and the practical arrangements that must be in place.

  4. Start care and review it as needs change

    Care starts after the plan and arrangements have been agreed. Reviews allow the plan to change when the person’s needs, wishes or circumstances change.

Questions families ask

Answers before you decide anything

How long can respite care last?
The period depends on the person’s assessed needs and the arrangement Muzaana can confirm. Ask about the dates you are considering rather than relying on a set duration.
Is respite care only for holidays?
No. It may help during a planned break, appointment, illness, regular short respite or another change in the usual care routine.
Can Muzaana provide emergency cover?
Muzaana does not promise emergency cover. We will explain current availability and any minimum booking after hearing what is needed.
Can a respite carer help with medication?
Any support with medication is assessed, agreed and recorded in the care plan.
What should a family carer include in the handover?
Share the person’s routines, communication, food, assessed and agreed moving method, equipment, household details and contacts. Any support with medication is assessed, agreed and recorded in the care plan.

They were all extremely kind, caring and reliable. Winnie especially forged a strong bond with them both.

Helen SkinnerFamily memberGoogle review

Other care we provide

If a different kind of support would suit better

Talk to our care team

Ask about the period you have in mind

Tell us about the person, the usual care arrangement and the dates under consideration. Muzaana can explain availability, assessment and booking details.

You can contact us for yourself, a family member or someone you support professionally.

Discuss short-term care

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors