Respite Care

Respite care is short-term, temporary care that gives a family caregiver a break. It can last a few hours, a day, or a longer stretch, and the goal is simple: let the primary caregiver rest, run errands, work, or recover so they can keep caregiving sustainably.

Forms of respite

• Informal respite — family or friends taking shifts.
• In-home respite — a paid aide who comes to the home.
• Adult day programs — supervised, social daytime care outside the home.
• Short-term residential respite — a brief stay at a care facility.

Why it matters

Respite is one of the most important tools for preventing caregiver burnout. An exhausted caregiver cannot provide safe care, so regular breaks protect both people. In the U.S., the Area Agency on Aging (Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116) can connect families to local respite services and any financial help, some of which is covered by Medicaid waivers or the VA.