PRICE GUIDE · CARE & SUPPORT · 2026–2027
Respite Care cost in Ireland
€20–€40 per hour. Typically €28.
A respite care in Ireland costs €20–€40 per hour, typically around €28. The price is set by hourly vs day vs live-in, care complexity and duration of respite.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does respite care cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €20 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €28 | what most people pay |
| High end | €40 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the carers and care agencies near you.
What moves the price
- Level of care required — personal care and medication management need more skill than companionship, which can lift the rate.
- Caregiver's experience — a respite carer used to special needs or dementia may charge more per hour.
- Duration of service — a short-term respite stay costs more in total than an afternoon of in-home respite care.
- Type of respite — in-home respite care by the hour is priced differently from a day service or a live-in stay.
- Any specific equipment or materials required — a hoist or medical supplies can need a carer with extra training.
Other social protection prices in Ireland are up 26% over five years (CSO Consumer Price Index, Other social protection, to 2025 December). Five years ago a typical respite care would have cost about €20 — an estimate from today's guide price and that index, not a recorded price. Source: CSO CPM18, CPM12 →
WHAT YOU GET
What a respite care visit includes
Takes: Respite care sessions can vary in length, typically lasting from a few hours to a full day..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common respite care jobs
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Respite Care near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- A few hours of in-home respite care costs less than a short-term stay; say which break you need when booking.
- Booking respite care ahead of time avoids paying more for emergency respite care arranged at short notice.
- Using the same respite carer each time saves paid hours spent on introductions and learning routines.
- Supplying the medical supplies and equipment the person already uses avoids extra charges during respite care.
- Weekday daytime respite care usually costs less per hour than evening or weekend cover.
Before you book
- Basic information about the individual requiring care, including medical history.
- Access to the home, or transportation to the care facility if applicable.
- Any necessary medical supplies or equipment that may be needed during care.
- A list of preferences and routines that the individual is accustomed to.
- You can ask about the carer's training and experience with the person's needs, and agree what happens in an emergency during respite care.
Respite Care cost: questions people ask
The cost of respite care can vary based on the level of care required, the caregiver's experience, and the duration of service. Additional factors include location and whether specialised care is needed.
Respite care sessions can vary in length, typically lasting from a few hours to a full day. The duration often depends on the client's needs and the family's requirements.
While many respite care providers are trained professionals, not all require specialised qualifications. For medical needs or specific conditions, hiring a qualified specialist may be necessary.
Many respite care services offer emergency or same-day availability, but it's advisable to check with providers in advance. Availability can vary based on demand and location.
Yes, many respite care providers allow you to book multiple services simultaneously. This can include personal care, meal preparation, and companionship, tailored to your needs.
Respite care generally does not cover medical procedures, heavy housekeeping, or specialised nursing care. It's important to clarify the scope of services with your provider before booking.
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