Respite care is temporary relief provided to family caregivers who are caring for an older adult, a person with a disability, or a person with a chronic illness. It allows the primary caregiver to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities — whether for a few hours, a few days, or longer — while ensuring that their loved one continues to receive appropriate care.
Caregiver burnout is a serious and widespread problem. Respite care is one of the most important tools available to help caregivers maintain their own health and wellbeing so they can continue providing quality care over the long term.
Why respite care matters
Family caregiving is one of the most demanding and selfless roles a person can take on. Many family caregivers provide care around the clock with little or no time for themselves. Over time this can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional burnout, depression, anxiety, and health problems.
Studies consistently show that caregiver stress and burnout are significant risk factors for both the caregiver’s health and the quality of care provided to the person being cared for. Respite care helps break this cycle by giving caregivers the time and space to rest, recharge, and attend to their own needs.
Types of respite care
Respite care is available in a variety of settings and formats to meet different needs:
- In-home respite care — a trained volunteer or paid caregiver comes to the home to provide care while the family caregiver takes a break. This can range from a few hours per week to full-time live-in relief.
- Adult day care — a community-based program that provides supervision, activities, meals, and social interaction for older adults or people with disabilities during daytime hours. Adult day care gives family caregivers a regular break during working hours.
- Short term residential respite — temporary placement in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or dedicated respite care facility for a few days to a few weeks. This provides a more extended break for caregivers.
- Hospice respite care — for families caring for a loved one receiving hospice care Medicare covers up to five consecutive days of inpatient respite care in a Medicare-approved facility to give the caregiver a break
- Emergency respite — short notice care provided in urgent situations when a caregiver is suddenly unable to provide care due to illness, injury, or other emergency
Who provides respite care
Respite care can be provided by a variety of sources:
- Home care agencies — professional agencies that provide trained caregivers for in-home respite care
- Volunteer respite programs — nonprofit organizations and faith communities that provide volunteer respite caregivers at little or no cost
- Adult day care centers — community programs that provide daytime care and supervision
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities — many facilities offer short term respite stays
- Family members and friends — informal respite provided by other family members, friends, or neighbors
How respite care is paid for
The cost of respite care varies depending on the type of care and the provider. Funding sources include:
- Medicare — covers up to five consecutive days of inpatient respite care for people receiving hospice care under the Medicare hospice benefit. Medicare does not cover other types of respite care.
- Medicaid — many state Medicaid programs and HCBS waiver programs cover respite care for eligible beneficiaries. Coverage varies significantly by state.
- Veterans benefits — the VA offers respite care benefits to eligible veterans and their caregivers through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers — PCAFC — and other programs
- National Family Caregiver Support Program — a federally funded program administered through local Area Agencies on Aging that provides respite care and other support services to family caregivers
- Long term care insurance — many long term care insurance policies cover respite care
- Lifespan Respite Care Program — a federal program that helps states develop coordinated respite care systems and expand access to respite services
- Private pay — out of pocket payment for respite care services
The National Family Caregiver Support Program
The National Family Caregiver Support Program — NFCSP — is a federally funded program that provides support services to family caregivers of older adults and grandparents raising grandchildren. Services available through the NFCSP include:
- Information about available services
- Assistance accessing services
- Individual counseling and support groups
- Caregiver training
- Respite care
- Supplemental services such as assistive devices and home modifications
The NFCSP is administered through local Area Agencies on Aging. To find services in your area contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov.
Finding respite care
Resources for finding respite care in your area include:
- ARCH National Respite Network — archrespite.org provides a respite locator and information about respite care resources nationwide
- Eldercare Locator — eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116 can connect you with local Area Agency on Aging services including respite care
- Alzheimer’s Association — alz.org provides respite care resources specifically for caregivers of people with dementia including a 24-hour helpline
- VA Caregiver Support Line — 1-855-260-3274 provides information about VA respite care and caregiver support programs for veterans’ caregivers
Signs that a caregiver needs respite
Family caregivers often resist taking breaks because they feel guilty, believe no one else can provide adequate care, or simply do not have time to arrange respite. Signs that a caregiver may need respite include:
- Feeling constantly exhausted or overwhelmed
- Becoming irritable, impatient, or resentful toward the person being cared for
- Neglecting their own health, medical appointments, or personal needs
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities they used to enjoy
- Feeling depressed, hopeless, or trapped
- Making mistakes in providing care due to fatigue
Recognizing these signs and taking action to get relief is not selfish — it is essential for both the caregiver’s wellbeing and the quality of care provided to their loved one.
Key terms to know
- Respite care — temporary relief for family caregivers
- Caregiver burnout — physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from the demands of caregiving
- Adult day care — a community-based program providing daytime supervision and activities
- National Family Caregiver Support Program — a federally funded program providing support services to family caregivers
- HCBS waiver — a Medicaid program that funds home and community based services including respite care
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers — PCAFC — a VA program that provides support including respite care to caregivers of eligible veterans
- ARCH National Respite Network — a national organization that provides information and resources about respite care
Sources
- Administration for Community Living — eldercare.acl.gov
- ARCH National Respite Network — archrespite.org
- Alzheimer’s Association — alz.org
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — va.gov
- National Institute on Aging
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Program details and eligibility vary by state. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for the most current information specific to your situation.