Respite Care
Book a VisitRespite Care Winchester
Respite and short stays at The Dower House offer time to rest, reset and rejuvenate within a calm and beautifully cared-for setting. Whether you are recovering from an operation or illness, your usual carer is taking a well-earned break, or you simply feel the need for a change of pace and professional support close by, our short stays provide reassurance without obligation.
Flexible stays, complete peace of mind
Established in 1989 and set within five and a half acres of landscaped gardens in Headbourne Worthy, just outside Winchester, The Dower House reflects a long-held ethos of dignity, warmth and thoughtful care. Guests benefit from the same exceptional nursing support, high staff-to-resident ratios and relaxed country-house hospitality as permanent residents - all with no minimum length of stay*.
Many guests find their time with us so restorative that they choose to return again - or make The Dower House their permanent home.
Comfortable, fully furnished rooms
- Private, fully furnished accommodation
- Single bed with bedside table, lamp and overhead lighting
- Wardrobe space, occasional table and comfortable high-backed chair
- Television and alarm clock
- Additional guest seating and storage in selected rooms
Everything is prepared so residents can settle in comfortably from the moment they arrive.
Safety & reassurance
- Emergency call bell system in every room
- Assistance available at all times, day and night
- Registered nurses on site 24 hours a day
What guests say
"Thank you everyone for looking after me and making me feel so at home. Thank you for caring and enabling me to recover quickly after my operation. I will miss you all."
Respite guest
Key facts
- No minimum length of stay*
- Short-notice stays available, including following hospital discharge
- Flexible options to extend your stay (subject to care needs and availability)
- Open visiting with no set hours
- The room fee for short/respite stay starts from £1,795 per week based on assessment and room availability. Please note that we have a limited number of entry level rooms and our larger rooms are £2,500 per week, unless you require complex care in which case it could be up to £2,980 per week– please see our care fees price structure for further details
*Subject to availability
Food & dining
Short-stay residents enjoy the same freshly prepared, locally sourced meals as permanent residents.
Activities & life at The Dower House
Guests are welcome to join activities, outings and events or simply relax and enjoy the gardens.
What our Residents say
The best way to understand life at The Dower House is to hear directly from the people who live here. In this video, Mrs Morris shares her personal experience, offering an honest insight into daily life, care and what makes our home so special.
Meet Celia – our General Manager
“We’re here to protect residents, protect their dignity and allow them to live their lives how they would do if they were at home.”
The admission journey – what to expect
We understand that every situation is different. Admissions usually fall into one of two routes: planned or urgent. We will always work around timings that suit you and your family.
Planned admission
- Visit and explore
Come and see us for an informal tour and chat. You’re welcome to come alone or with family or friends. - Second visit (optional)
You may wish to return for lunch or an activity, helping you feel confident about your decision. - Care assessment
An assessment with our Matron helps us understand care needs and preferences. - Rooms, care and costs
We discuss suitable rooms (subject to availability), care needs and the total weekly cost following assessment. - Funding and agreements
We talk through affordability, any potential funding support, review the contract, arrange the deposit and set up payments. - Move-in planning
Once everything is agreed, we schedule a move-in date that works for you.
Urgent admission
- Fast, supportive response
We act quickly when care is needed at short notice, often following illness or hospital discharge. - Visit and assessment together
Where possible, you may visit with your loved one so Matron can carry out the assessment at the same time. Alternatively, Matron can visit you in your home or in hospital to carry out the assessment. - Clear next steps
We confirm care needs, room availability, costs and timings as quickly and clearly as possible. - A calm, welcoming arrival
Our team focuses on helping you or your loved one settle in with reassurance, kindness and attentive care.
FAQs
What is short-stay (respite) care?
Short-stay care provides temporary support for people who need extra help following illness or surgery, or when usual carers are unavailable. It can also offer a safe, supported break from everyday routines.
Are respite rooms fully furnished?
Yes. Short-stay residents enjoy comfortable, fully furnished rooms, making arrival and settling in as easy and stress-free as possible.
Can respite residents access all facilities?
Respite residents can enjoy the same high standards of care, food, activities and facilities as long-stay residents during their time at The Dower House.
How long can a short stay last?
The length of a respite stay is flexible and tailored to individual needs. The team can discuss what will work best for the resident and their family. We are one of very few care homes to offer no minimum stay, subject to availability.
Can a respite stay lead to a longer-term move?
Yes. Many people use respite care as a way to experience life at The Dower House before deciding whether a longer-term stay would be right for them.
Get in touch today
Get in touch today to check availability for a respite or short stay.