Carer Breaks
For family carers taking time to rest, travel or focus on their own wellbeing, knowing their loved one is in a safe and professional setting.
WHAT IS RESPITE CARE
A welcoming home when you need it most.
One of the greatest worries families face when arranging respite care is having to explain their loved one's dietary requirements, religious practices and language needs all over again to a new team who may not fully understand them. At Bhakti Shyama, none of that is necessary. Gujarati-speaking staff, freshly prepared vegetarian meals and daily prayers are simply part of how we operate — which means your loved one can settle in immediately and feel genuinely at home.
Respite residents at Bhakti Shyama receive the same care, meals, cultural activities and nursing support as our long-term residents — with a private room, full access to all communal facilities and regular family communication throughout the stay.
- Private single room (en-suite available) for every respite resident
- Vegetarian and vegan meals prepared fresh every day
- Gujarati-speaking staff — no language barriers
- Nursing cover available for medically complex respite stays
- Daily prayers, cultural observances and familiar activities
- Flexible duration — subject to assessment and availability
Flexible Support
Who respite care is for
Short-term care can bring breathing room, recovery support, and reassurance during a planned or unexpected change.
Post-Hospital Recovery
For people needing extra professional support before returning home after illness or surgery.
Trial Stays
For families exploring whether Bhakti Shyama Care Centre feels right before making a longer-term decision.
Care Experience
What respite care includes
Clear, practical support that helps residents and families feel secure from the first conversation.
24/7 Support
Round-the-clock care and reassurance throughout the duration of the stay.
Furnished Rooms
Comfortable, private en-suite rooms ready for short-stay guests to settle into.
Fresh Meals
Nutritious seasonal meals, snacks and drinks prepared daily.
Daily Activities
Full access to our social programme, including music, crafts, and seasonal festivals.
Pre-arrival Plan
A careful assessment before arrival so all support is ready from the moment of entry.
Garden Access
Relaxing in our secure, landscaped gardens for fresh air and a change of scenery.
Our Approach
Care that feels organised, personal, and inclusive.
Short stays should feel easy to arrange and reassuring from the first call, with everything ready for a comfortable arrival.
Meet Our TeamSimple Admission
We gather information about health needs, personal preferences and routines before arrival so the stay feels welcoming.
Settled From Day One
Guests are welcomed into daily life, introduced gently, and supported throughout the stay.
Review and communicate
Care is reviewed with families so support remains clear and responsive.
A minimum stay is usually discussed during your initial enquiry so we can
ensure the guest has enough time to settle and truly benefit from the support.
Yes. Planned respite is ideal for matching with holidays, carer breaks and
scheduled recovery periods after medical procedures.
We will always do our best to discuss urgent requests and advise what is
possible based on a quick assessment and current availability.
Comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, medication and personal
mementos such as photos or deities for their room are always helpful.
Ready when you
are
Book a private tour of Bhakti Shyama Care Centre
See our rooms, meet the team, and get every question answered — at a pace that suits your family.
Call our care team
020 8772 1499
Respite care in London
Respite care at Bhakti Shyama Care Centre means short stays, from a week upwards at 1 Balham New Road, London, SW12 9PH. It is intended for families needing a planned break, and people recovering after a hospital stay. The home is part of Abbey Total Care Group, which runs 11 homes across London, Essex, Surrey and Hertfordshire.
Visiting Bhakti Shyama Care Centre
Bhakti Shyama Care Centre is at 1 Balham New Road, London, SW12 9PH, in the London Borough of Wandsworth area. The nearest station is Balham (Northern line and National Rail).
Families enquiring about respite care here usually travel from Balham, Tooting, Clapham South, Streatham Hill and Wandsworth Common.
Visits are welcome by arrangement. Call 020 8772 1499 or email admin@bhaktishyamacarecentre.co.uk to arrange a time.
Paying for respite care
Respite care at Bhakti Shyama Care Centre can be funded in several ways, and most families use more than one over time:
- Local authority funding. If a needs assessment and a financial assessment by the London Borough of Wandsworth show that support is due, the council contributes towards the placement.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). Where the primary need is a health need, the NHS may fund the full cost of care.
- NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC). A flat NHS contribution towards the nursing element for residents assessed as needing registered nursing input.
- Self-funding. Families arranging and paying privately, which is the quickest route where a placement is needed at short notice.
The team at Bhakti Shyama Care Centre can explain which route is likely to apply before you commit to anything.
Regulation and independent reviews
CQC Registered and Regulated. Bhakti Shyama Care Centre is registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission under location ID 1-333143159. Inspection reports and the current rating are published on the CQC website, which is always the up-to-date source.
Families who have used the home have given it 9.1 out of 10 from 48 verified reviews on carehome.co.uk. Reviews there are collected independently, not by us.