Respite & Sitting Service for Family Carers

If you care for a husband, wife or parent, you need time for yourself too. We sit with your loved one so you can work, rest or go out knowing they are in good company.

Looking after the person who looks after everyone

Millions of people in the UK care unpaid for a family member, and charities like Carers UK and Carers Trust report that many rarely get a proper break. Our sitting service gives you planned, regular time off: an afternoon for a round of golf, an evening at the theatre, or simply a few hours to sleep.

Flexible sitting

  • Regular weekly sitting at the same time each week
  • Evening sitting so you can go out
  • Night sitting (sleeping or waking) for companionship and reassurance
  • Cover while you attend your own appointments
  • Longer stays while you take a holiday
  • Emergency cover when plans change, where we can

Our companions keep your loved one company, prepare a drink or snack, follow their routine and call you straight away if anything worries them. As this is a non-regulated service, sitting does not include personal care such as help to the toilet or with washing. If your loved one needs that level of help while you are away, your local council or a registered care agency can arrange it.

Support for you as a carer

You may be entitled to a free carer’s assessment from your local council and to benefits such as Carer’s Allowance. The NHS carers’ support guide is a good place to start, and we are always happy to point you to local carers’ groups in Trafford, Stockport, Cheshire East and Staffordshire.

About our service: Livingsupported provides non-regulated companionship, home help and lifestyle support. We do not provide personal care (such as help with washing, dressing, toileting or giving medication), nursing or medical care, and we are not registered with the Care Quality Commission. If personal or clinical care is needed, we will help you find a registered provider and can work alongside them.

Where we provide this service

We visit clients across South Manchester and Trafford, Cheshire and Staffordshire, including Hale, Bowdon, Altrincham, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Knutsford and Eccleshall.

Frequently asked questions

Can the sitting service be booked at short notice?

We always try to help at short notice, especially for existing clients, though regular planned sitting is easiest to staff consistently.

What is the difference between a sleeping and waking night?

In a sleeping night the companion sleeps in a spare room and is available if needed. In a waking night they stay awake to offer reassurance and company. Neither includes personal care.

Can I use my council’s direct payments?

If you receive a personal budget or direct payment, you may be able to use it for companionship and sitting, depending on your support plan. Your council can confirm.

Other ways we can help

Companionship at Home

Regular visits from the same friendly, well-matched companion for conversation, hobbies and everyday company.

Live-in Companionship

A companion who lives in your home for reassurance, household help and company around the clock.

Home Help & Housekeeping

Light housekeeping, laundry, shopping and meal preparation so the home runs smoothly.

Social Outings & Activities

Lunches, garden visits, theatre, church and clubs, with a companion to drive and accompany.

Appointment Escorting

Accompanying you to GP, hospital, dental and optician appointments and taking notes for the family.

Dementia Companionship

Patient, familiar companionship for people living with memory loss, alongside family and care teams.

Lifestyle & Concierge Support

Household admin, tradespeople, pets, technology and errands handled discreetly on your behalf.

Talk to us about respite & sitting service

Tell us a little about the person you are arranging support for and we will call you back, usually the same working day, to talk through what would help and arrange a free home visit.