Respite Carer Jobs in Lerwick

Short-term respite cover in and around Lerwick gives family carers a break and puts you in control of the care you provide. On PrimeCarers you’ll offer weekend stays, overnight relief, or a few hours of day support — whatever families need to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable. New care jobs in the area are posted on PrimeCarers throughout the year.

If you live in Lerwick and want to move away from shift-led agency life, this is aimed at experienced, compassionate carers who prefer variety and flexibility. Typical respite work ranges from same-day short visits to a few days staying with someone; you’ll be supporting people who need help with personal care, medication prompts, companionship, mobility assistance and household tasks while their usual carer rests.

Pay and flexibility: carers on PrimeCarers are self-employed and set their own rates, so you control how much you charge and which bookings you accept. Many carers advertise within £15–£25 per hour. You choose your clients, hours and service area — from day care or evenings to weekend or short live-in stays — and PrimeCarers handles client-finding, contracts, invoicing and payments. Insurance is included while you work through the platform.

This type of work suits someone with at least a year of professional care experience who wants more control over time and earnings than traditional agency work usually allows. You’ll be a good fit if you can step into homes with confidence, keep clear records, and build calm relationships with families needing reliable short-term cover in Lerwick.

Requirements to join

• At least 1 year of professional care experience
• An Enhanced DBS check (PrimeCarers can help arrange one)
• The right to work in the UK and verifiable references

Many carers cover Lerwick and the surrounding area, including Kirkwall, Thurso, Wick, Fraserburgh, Rosehearty and Brora. You choose how far you’ll travel and when. Applying takes minutes: create a profile, upload checks and references, and once verified your profile typically goes live within days. From then on you can pick the respite bookings that suit you and the families that fit your approach.

How to apply: click to start your short application, add your experience and references, and tell us your availability. PrimeCarers will guide you through verification and help with DBS if needed. We don’t promise specific work, but we do connect self-employed carers with families looking for reliable respite cover in Lerwick and nearby towns.

If you’re ready to trade shift-led routines for flexible, short-term respite work that respects your professional experience, set up your profile today and take control of the way you care.