Emergency respite when the sole carer is hospitalised

You are the carer. You have been admitted. Tonight, somebody has to step in for the person you look after. Here is exactly how to make that call from the ward.

The short answer. Tell the ward sister immediately that you are a sole carer. The hospital triggers a social work referral that same shift. The council has an emergency duty under Care Act 2014 s.19 to step in. Funding follows assessment but care must not wait. Options include a same-week respite bed, Shared Lives emergency placement, or domiciliary cover from your existing provider.

The hospital trigger

Every NHS trust has a hospital social work team. When you tell the nurse you are a sole carer, the referral happens automatically and is treated as urgent. Carers UK has a clear summary of the duty.Carers UK respite ↗

The council's emergency duty

Under Care Act s.19 ↗ the council can and must meet needs in an emergency, before assessment. You do not need to provide bank statements or fill in forms before care starts.

What care looks like

Respite bed in a care home. Same-week vacancies are common via direct enquiry.
Shared Lives emergency placement. A vetted Shared Lives carer hosts the person at home.
Domiciliary cover. Your existing provider, expanded for the duration of your stay.
Family stay. A relative steps in. The council can pay carer's allowance for short notice.

Will it be free?

Care starts free during the emergency window. After the immediate risk passes, a means test runs. If the cared-for person has savings under the upper capital limit (£23,250 in England 2026/27), the council pays the contract rate. NHS social care guide ↗

Frequently asked

What if the hospital does not act fast enough?

Ask for the duty social worker by name and ask for the contact written into your nursing notes. If still no movement in 4 hours, escalate to the ward sister and ask for the hospital safeguarding lead.

Can the council insist on a residential placement?

No. The council must consider the cared-for person's preferences. Shared Lives, domiciliary cover and family stay are all valid options if safe.

What if my partner has dementia and refuses to leave home?

A best-interests decision under the Mental Capacity Act may apply, taken jointly by the social worker, the GP and a family member. See our dementia crisis page.

Last reviewed 2026-06-21. Clinical reviewer pending appointment (target Sep 2026); meanwhile reviewed by the editorial team.