Respite Care

Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, giving them time to rest, recharge and stay healthy over the course of their loved one’s illness. The care may last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks at a time.

Respite care can take place at home, in a health care facility, or at an adult day care center. It can be provided by family, friends, volunteers, non-profit groups or government agencies. Respite care can happen while the primary caregiver is still present, in the form of help with specific daily needs, or when the primary caregiver steps away for a few hours, days or even weeks.

Respite care is needed to provide time off from caregiving responsibilities because caregiving is HARD. Consistent breaks from caregiving is necessary to help caregivers stay physically and emotionally healthy themselves. Even a few short hours a week can provide significant improvement in caregiver well-being.

Respite care provided by a friend, relative, or volunteer may have no associated costs. Professional services may charge by the hour or by the number of days or weeks that services are provided. For a person receiving hospice care, Medicare will cover most of the cost for up to five consecutive days of respite care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Medicaid also may provide payment assistance.

Most private health insurance plans do not cover the costs of respite care. Some long-term care insurance plans may have coverage for this service. You must pay all costs for respite care that are not covered by insurance or government programs.

Accepting help can be difficult for caregivers, who feel obligated to do things on their own. They may not want to burden others or ask for help, or they may be worried about the cost of respite care. For those without coverage or financial means for respite care, understand that volunteers are out there. Many people want to help, and it makes them feel good to contribute.

Download the Worksheet: Coordinating Caregiving Responsibilities, to see a list of caregiving activities that you could divide up with others.

To explore local respite care options, talk with your Hart Program team for more information.

For additional information on other programs in your area, including state-sponsored programs, adult day care centers and services for veterans, visit the ARCH National Respite Locator Service(link is external).

References:

National Alliance for Care at Home

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute on Aging

American Academy of Family Physicians