Short stay & respite care

There are times when support is needed for a defined period. This may follow hospital treatment, provide planned respite for a family carer, or offer space to consider longer term arrangements without making an immediate commitment.

Short stays at Colten Care offer a defined period of living in one of our homes, with care assessed and delivered in the same way as for longer term residents. They may be used for planned respite, recovery after illness or hospital treatment, or as a way to explore longer term care.

Stays are available from two weeks or more, offering flexibility without a long-term commitment.

Temporary support when its needed

When a short stay may be helpful

A short stay may be appropriate when:

  • family carers need planned respite
  • someone is leaving hospital but is not yet ready to return home
  • a period of rest and recovery would support confidence and independence
  • families would value time to experience the home before making longer term decisions

Each stay begins with a clear assessment so the right level of support is in place from the start. Expectations are discussed openly, helping the stay feel predictable and well organised.

Living in the home, not set apart

What a short stay looks like in our homes

Residents on a short stay are welcomed fully into the life of the home. They have their own room, enjoy meals prepared each day by our own chefs, and have access to shared spaces, gardens, and daily activities.

Support is planned around individual needs and established routines, using the same assessment and review process as for longer term residents. This ensures support is appropriate and consistent, whether that involves assisted care, nursing care, or staff presence close at hand throughout the day and night.

4 Weeks For The Price of 3

When arranging a short stay, four weeks are currently available for the price of three, with the same level of care, oversight, and support provided throughout. This allows more time to settle, recover, or consider next steps without additional cost.

Time to recover and decide

Support during recovery or transition

For people recovering after illness or hospital treatment, short stays provide time to regain strength in a setting that is structured and well managed. Clinical oversight is on site, allowing changes in health to be identified early and responded to promptly.

They can also support decision making. Families and the person themselves can see how the home works, understand how support is delivered, and meet the team without pressure to make immediate commitments.

Clear communication and steady oversight

Supporting families during short stays

Families value knowing that needs are being monitored and support is available throughout the stay. This creates space to think clearly, rather than making decisions in response to urgency.

Communication is practical and consistent, with teams available to explain how support is working and to answer questions as they arise.

Talk to us about short stays

If you are considering a short stay, whether for respite, recovery, or as a first step, our teams can talk through suitability, availability, and the level of support that may be appropriate.

Support following hospital discharge is also available.