Meallmore’s respite and short stay care services offer flexible support for older adults who need care on a temporary basis. This could be for recovery after illness, a trial stay, or to provide regular carers with time to rest and recharge. Whether you're staying for a few days or a few weeks, you’ll receive the same standard of care, comfort, and attention as our long-term residents – with 24/7 support, access to facilities, and a welcoming team ready to help.
Respite care is a short-term care arrangement that offers professional support in a care home setting for those who are unable to manage independently at home for a period of time.
At Meallmore, respite care is available across our homes in Scotland and can be planned in advance or arranged quickly when needed. It’s ideal for individuals needing a break from routine, support during recovery, or a temporary care solution when family carers are away.
Our short stay care offers flexibility, comfort, and complete access to our care home facilities – including 24-hour support, freshly prepared meals, medication assistance, and social activities. Whether you're staying for a few nights or a few weeks, you'll receive the same high standard of care as our full-time residents. It’s a practical and reassuring option for families looking for trusted, temporary care across Scotland.
We offer short stay care for older adults who need extra support on a temporary basis. Whether for recovery, reassurance, or relief, our respite services are designed to provide safe, structured care in a comfortable and friendly setting.
Our short stay care is suitable for individuals with a variety of care needs, including:
Support with mobility, pain relief, and rehabilitation following a hospital stay or treatment.
Gentle assistance with personal care, mealtimes, and daily routines for older adults needing extra support.
Safe environments and 24-hour supervision to support confidence and independence during recovery or rest periods.
We can support individuals in the early stages of dementia, providing structure, calm routines and supervision as needed.
Immediate short-term care when families are temporarily unavailable due to illness, travel or other commitments.
For those feeling isolated at home, a short stay at Meallmore can provide a sense of connection, routine and enjoyment in a supportive setting.
At Meallmore, we're dedicated to crafting an extraordinary experience for our residents. We believe in embracing life to the fullest, fostering independence, preserving dignity, and championing choice in every aspect of daily living.
Our compassionate team, from caregivers and nurses to activities coordinators and chefs, is passionately committed to a person-centered approach. We take the time to truly understand each resident, their unique preferences, and what brings them joy.
Life at Meallmore is a personalised journey, whether it involves engaging activities, meaningful social connections, serene moments of reflection, nourishing meals, or holistic well-being.
Choosing short stay care – whether for rest, recovery, or carer relief – can raise a lot of questions. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common things families ask us about respite care at Meallmore. If you’d prefer to talk it through, our team is always here to help.
We offer flexible stays ranging from a few nights to several weeks, depending on individual needs and availability. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of support, a two-week recovery after surgery, or a longer trial stay before permanent care, we’ll help tailor the right plan for you.
No medical referral is needed. Families can contact us directly to discuss needs, availability, and next steps. We’ll complete a care assessment to ensure the right level of support is in place – but we’ll guide you through every part of the process.
During a respite stay, residents receive the same high standard of care as our full-time residents. This includes a private room, all meals and refreshments, 24/7 personal care, housekeeping, laundry, medication support, and access to social activities and communal spaces.
We recommend booking early for planned respite or holiday cover, especially during busy periods. However, we also respond quickly to emergency requests and unexpected situations – subject to space and suitability.
Yes – many families use respite as a way to trial care before deciding on something longer-term. If it’s the right fit, we’ll work closely with you to make the transition into permanent care smooth and stress-free for everyone involved.
In many cases, yes. We can support individuals with early to moderate dementia, depending on the environment and staff expertise in the chosen home. Our assessment will always ensure we can provide a safe, suitable experience tailored to the person’s needs.
We recommend bringing clothes, toiletries, any required medication, and personal items such as photographs or favourite books. Our care team will help with everything else – including meals, bedding, and day-to-day support.
Some respite care may be funded by your local authority, particularly if it's part of a carer support plan. We accept privately funded stays and can help you understand costs, funding options, and how to apply if support is available in your area.