If you require temporary short-term care following a stay in hospital this is called intermediate care, reablement or aftercare. Most people will receive this type of care for around 1-2 weeks free of charge. It can be free for a maximum of six weeks. If you need care for longer than six weeks you may have to pay for it. If you choose to move to a care home for a short period as a trial or to give your usual caregiver a break, you will arrange the length of stay with the individual care home before you arrive.