Convalescent Care and Respite Care

We specialise in providing short term care, inclusive of convalescent care and respite care, across our homes in Meath, Dublin, Wicklow, Monaghan, Laois, Offaly, Carlow, Louth and Cork.

Our Convalescent care provides a home-from-home environment during post-surgery rehab or just injury recovery. It is an important part of the transitional phase immediately after discharge from hospital. Convalescent care can be as short as a few days, or as long as a few months, depending on what is required.

Respite care is one of the most valuable and often misunderstood forms of nursing home support. Many carers only begin to consider respite when they are already exhausted, unwell, or overwhelmed. Respite care is not a sign of failure, but a proactive way to support long‑term wellbeing for both carers and those they care for.

There are several types of respite care, each designed for different circumstances. Planned respite is arranged in advance and allows carers to rest, attend important events, or look after their own health. Emergency respite arises suddenly, perhaps due to illness or a family crisis. 

Another important form is assessment respite, which allows individuals and families to experience nursing home care on a short‑term basis before making long‑term decisions. This approach removes pressure and gives everyone time to adjust and reflect.

Palliative respite care is another important form of support, offering short‑term nursing care for individuals with life‑limiting or complex conditions while giving their families essential time to rest and regroup. During a palliative respite stay, the focus is on comfort, dignity, pain and symptom control, and gentle reassurance, with experienced nursing teams providing round‑the‑clock care. For families, palliative respite offers peace of mind — knowing their loved one is safe, comfortable, and cared for by professionals — while allowing them the space to look after their own wellbeing without guilt.

At Evergreen Care, we make sure that regardless of how long your stay is, our highly skilled and compassionate staff ensure that residents are ready to return home safely, feeling well and ready for the challenges ahead.

According to Family Carers Ireland, there are 500,000 family caregivers in Ireland providing 19 million hours of unpaid care each week. The majority of these are juggling a job and care, so it’s not surprising that they need some respite from this highly demanding schedule.

Our team provides the following resources:

• Nursing care – which focuses on a person-focused care plan
• Recreational and social activities
• General well-being – Housekeeping, laundry, nutritious meals

How Is Respite Care Funded?

Respite care in Ireland can be funded in several ways, depending on individual circumstances.

Some respite stays may be supported through the HSE Respite Care Scheme, where funding is allocated based on assessed need and availability. This often involves coordination with a public health nurse or other community healthcare professionals.

In hospital discharge situations, Transitional Care Funding may be provided. This covers short‑term nursing home care for people who are medically fit to leave hospital but cannot return home safely. Transitional care focuses on recovery and reassessment, rather than long‑term placement.

Many families also choose to pay privately for respite care, particularly for planned or assessment stays, or where public funding is not immediately available. Private respite can often be arranged more flexibly and at short notice.

Understanding the available funding options: HSE‑funded respite, transitional care, or private payment, helps families make informed decisions without unnecessary stress.

Arranging Respite Care

Arranging respite care usually begins with a conversation. Families contact the nursing home to discuss care needs, funding options, expected length of stay, and availability. Medical information is reviewed, and a short‑term care plan is developed to ensure safety, comfort, and continuity.

For residents, respite care often brings unexpected benefits. Regular meals, structured routines, social interaction, and professional oversight can significantly improve confidence and wellbeing. For carers, even a brief break can restore energy and reduce burnout.

Respite care works best when it is offered with understanding and without judgement.

Our teams can guide families through the process with clarity and compassion. To enquire about respite care availability or discuss your individual needs:

 Arrange a visit to experience our care first‑hand by clicking a link below

 Contact our admission teams for confidential guidance