A sitting service for someone you care for: what to check first
Plan a break with the right support in place. Questions about suitability, continuity, handover, absence cover and the cost of a sitting service.
A sitting service gives the person company while a family carer takes a break. The important question is what support is needed throughout that time. Whitegreen companionship may fit where company and light practical help are appropriate; personal care or specialist needs require the right service and a clear plan.
You need a break you can actually use
Perhaps you want to keep your own appointment, see a friend or have time without listening for someone needing you. It can be difficult to leave if you are unsure whether another person understands the routine.
The phrase “sitting service” describes a purpose rather than a complete specification. Before choosing one, describe what happens during the hours you want covered. A person wanting company and a person needing continuous specialist support may both be described as needing someone to stay, but the arrangements are different.
Could companionship fit the time you want covered?
A Whitegreen visit can include conversation, shared interests, an agreed outing, a meal prepared together or light household tasks. It does not include personal care, administering medicines or clinical support.
Explain help needed with daily activities, moving safely and any situation where additional support could be required. If personal care might be needed while you are away, do not assume arranging it earlier solves the whole period. Discuss the appropriate care provider or combination of services first.
The NHS respite guide describes different options, including sitting services, home care, day centres and short stays. Suitability matters more than the name of the service.
A break should work for both people
Ask the person receiving the visit what they would like to do. A possible two-hour visit might involve a game, a favourite programme and conversation, or a short outing they choose. These are examples, not a promise that the same plan suits everyone.
Avoid introducing the visitor only as someone who lets you escape. It is your break, but it is also their afternoon. Meeting first gives both of you an opportunity to discuss the routine and see whether the arrangement feels comfortable.
The handover to agree before you leave
- What the person wants to do and what they prefer to avoid.
- The responsibilities of the companion and any other service involved.
- Your expected return time and how to contact you.
- An alternative contact if you cannot be reached.
- What to do if the plan changes, the person wants the visit to end or other help is needed.
- Any agreed update and the permission to share it.
Do not leave private instructions in a public enquiry form. Discuss the relevant detail directly before the first visit and keep an agreed plan available to the people who need it.
Questions about reliability
Ask whether the same person can cover the proposed routine and how absence is handled. Whitegreen's published approach is a main companion with a named backup; discuss how that would work in the actual arrangement being offered.
For any paid or voluntary service, check the current timetable, matching process, checks and cancellation arrangements. Do not assume a volunteer service is unreliable or a paid service automatically guarantees cover. Ask for specific answers.
Cost and funding
A two-hour Whitegreen weekday daytime visit costs £56. Evening and weekend rates, outings and agreed expenses can add to that. See the full prices.
Ask the local council or carers service about support for your own needs as a carer. An assessment may lead to support, but it does not automatically fund a particular private service. If considering benefits or a direct payment, establish the conditions before relying on them. Our funding guide explains the distinction.
Start with the hours that matter
Tell us the postcode, proposed day and time, and the general support needed while you would be away. We confirm suitability and availability before arranging visits. The meet-and-greet is free, and you can decide afterwards whether to proceed.
Use the family decision pack to record the questions you want answered, or request a callback while you are still exploring options.
Common questions
Is a sitting service always personal care?
No. What matters is the actual support needed. Whitegreen companionship does not include personal care or clinical support.
Can I leave while the companion visits?
Only once the support needed during the whole period, suitability and practical arrangements have been discussed and agreed.
Can we meet first?
Yes. Whitegreen’s meet-and-greet is free and comes before agreeing a first paid visit.
Sources
References for the external facts and guidance on this page. Practical examples are examples. If information has changed, tell us so we can correct it.
Start with a conversation
Tell us who the visits are for and what they enjoy. We will ring you back within one working hour during our call hours, and arrange a free meet-and-greet at home with the companion we have in mind. Nothing is charged until you have met them and said yes.