Respite care is a service that provides short-term support so primary caregivers can take a break, rest, or run errands. Care services can be arranged for just an afternoon, a few days, or several weeks. Services are available at home, in a health care facility, or at an adult day center.
Respite services charge by the hour or by the number of days or weeks that services are provided. While most insurance plans do not cover these costs, government programs like Medicaid and Medicare may offer assistance. For people receiving hospice care, Medicare will cover most of the cost of up to five days in a row of respite care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Benefits and eligibility requirements can differ from state to state.
Find more information about respite care on NIA’s website
