Caring for a loved one as they age can be rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. It isn’t uncommon for caregivers to experience burnout, which can negatively affect both the caregiver and the person they’re caring for. It’s important to take time to care for yourself, but how can you also ensure that your loved one is cared for? That’s where respite care comes in. Here’s what you need to know, including how to find the respite care solution that works best for your situation and budget so you can ensure your loved one is cared for while you take a much-needed break.
What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to take a break from providing direct support to a loved one so they can rest or attend to other responsibilities. It can be as brief as a few hours to run errands or extend to several days or even weeks, giving you time to recharge with a vacation.
Respite care is not a specific set of services. The type of help it provides varies depending on the individual’s needs and the setting but can include assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, or simple companion services.
Where can you receive respite care services?
Respite care is highly flexible and can take place in a variety of settings, including in your home, in adult day care, or even at assisted living or skilled nursing facilities if the length of time and level of care require it. Here are some location options for respite care services:
- In-home care: A professional caregiver comes to the home and provides care and supervision while you take a break. This can include personal care, companionship, or light housekeeping.
- Adult day care: Your loved one spends part of the day at an adult day care center offering assistance, activities, food, and social engagement.
- Assisted living facilities: Some assisted living communities offer short-term stays for respite care, which can span several days or weeks.
- Nursing homes: If your loved one needs skilled nursing care, a short-term stay at a nursing home may be appropriate.
- Hospice facilities: Respite care may be provided in an inpatient hospice or hospital setting for individuals receiving hospice care. Medicare typically covers this type of care under specific conditions.
How much does respite care cost?
The cost of respite care varies widely by the type and level of care required, duration, setting, and geographical location. According to Genworth, the national median cost of home care is $33 an hour, and the national median cost of adult day health care is $100 a day. Respite care in facilities is more expensive. The daily national median cost of assisted living is $194, and for a semiprivate room in a nursing home, the cost is $305 a day. Remember that these numbers will vary greatly depending on geographical location and the facility.
Does insurance cover the cost?
Most respite care services are not covered by Medicare. However, if your loved one is enrolled in hospice care, Medicare’s hospice benefit may cover up to five consecutive days of respite care at a time in a Medicare-approved facility such as a hospital, nursing home, or hospice facility.
Some private insurance can help cover the cost of a respite care provider. Both long-term care insurance and life insurance policies with a long-term care rider may cover some of the costs of respite care, but what kinds and how much depend on your particular policy. Additionally, families may find relief through:
- Sliding-scale fees: Some providers offer services with varying costs based on income.
- No-fee services: In some states, grants or local programs provide free respite services to qualified families.
How to find respite care
Knowing where to start when trying to find respite care can be a challenge. Here are resources that can help connect you with respite care services that meet your family’s needs and budget:
- State respite programs: Many states receive funding through the Lifespan Respite Care Program, which supports statewide respite services. You may also be able to utilize your state’s Respite Voucher Program to find and pay for respite care. These programs often provide financial assistance or help connect families with vetted respite care providers. Check your Area Agency on Aging or your state’s health services website for eligibility and application details.
- National Respite Locator Service: The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center offers a searchable registry that helps families find respite care providers based on location and specific needs.
- Home care agencies: If your loved one does not require skilled care, many home care companies offer respite services on an hourly or daily basis. This is a flexible and convenient option if you prefer care delivered in their home.
- Assisted living facilities: Many assisted living communities accept short-term residents for respite stays. This is a great choice for multiday or weeklong breaks, offering meals, personal care, and enrichment activities in a safe, supervised environment.
- Nursing homes: If your loved one needs skilled medical care or extensive personal care assistance, a short-term stay at a nursing home may be appropriate. Some facilities have dedicated respite beds or will accommodate short stays if there are available beds.
Get the support you and your loved one need
Taking a break from caregiving duties is necessary and beneficial for both you and the person you’re caring for. By exploring different types of respite care, understanding the costs, and using available tools to find providers, you can find respite care to help you take time for yourself while ensuring your loved one continues to receive the care they need. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of being a caregiver.
