Helping Hands - emergency and respite care (UK)
Helping Hands is one of the few UK live-in care providers that publishes a respite rate and runs a national branch network capable of same-week visiting cover. Good crisis option when home is safer than a care home bed.
The short answer. Hourly visiting respite from a published per-hour rate; live-in respite from a published weekly rate. National branch network.
Key facts
- Service type. Live-in respite (24hr carer at home) and visiting respite from one hour.
- Geography. England and Wales (national branch network)
- Same-week admissions. Yes, via the regional branch network. Confirmed in writing per case.
- Pricing model. Published weekly live-in respite rate plus published visiting per-hour rate.
- CQC regulation. Regulated provider; ratings vary per branch. Check each branch on the CQC portal.
Helping Hands site ↗CQC provider ↗
Recent changes (last 12 months)
Continued emphasis on 24-hour live-in respite as a same-week alternative to a care home bed.
Frequently asked
Can Helping Hands cover same-week if the carer collapses?
Usually yes, especially in areas with a branch. The published respite rate is a starting point; a same-week quote often includes a small mobilisation premium.
Is Helping Hands cheaper than a care home bed for two weeks?
Usually no. Live-in respite at £1,300-£1,900 per week is typically more than residential at £900-£1,500. The trade is care at home vs disruption of a move.
Will the council pay for Helping Hands?
Sometimes, where direct payments are in place. In a crisis the council is more likely to commission a care home bed than a branded live-in service, unless you ask for Self-Directed Support.
Last reviewed 2026-06-21. Clinical reviewer pending appointment (target Sep 2026); meanwhile reviewed by the editorial team.