Respite care
Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, and can take place at home, in a health care facility or at an adult day care center.[1] Medicare covers most of the cost of up to five consecutive days of respite care for people receiving hospice care; otherwise respite is usually paid privately or through Medicaid and caregiver programs.[1]
Types of respite
- Informal respite: family, friends or volunteers stay with the person, often at no cost.[1]
- In-home respite: a paid aide or home care agency provides care at home, charged by the hour.[1][3]
- Adult day programs: daytime social activities, exercise, meals and personal care outside the home.[3]
- Facility-based respite: a short stay in a residential or health care facility, charged by the day or week.[1]
Paying for respite
According to NIA, most private health insurance plans do not cover respite care; some long-term care insurance plans do, and Medicaid may provide payment assistance.[1] The federal National Family Caregiver Support Program funds respite through states and local agencies; in fiscal year 2014, the most recent year with service data, more than 604,000 caregivers received respite through nearly 6 million hours of relief.[4]
| Area | Daily | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $95 | $2,058 |
| California | $94 | $2,037 |
Source: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025.[2]
Finding respite
NIA points caregivers to the ARCH National Respite Locator Service, which lists state programs, adult day centers and veterans’ services, and to the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116).[1][5] In San Diego County, the County’s Aging & Independence Services call center is 800-339-4661.[6]
Frequently asked questions
How long can respite care last?
Respite care may last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks at a time.[1]
Does Medicare pay for respite care?
Only for people receiving hospice care: Medicare covers most of the cost of up to five consecutive days of respite in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.[1]
Where can I find respite care?
Use the ARCH National Respite Locator Service or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.[1][5]
See also
References
Web pages accessed September 28, 2026 unless noted. See sources and methodology.
- ^ "What Is Respite Care?". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025: Median Cost Data Tables (PDF, dated 03/02/26)". CareScout. 2025 data.
- ^ "Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "National Family Caregiver Support Program". Administration for Community Living.
- ^ "Eldercare Locator". Administration for Community Living.
- ^ "About Aging & Independence Services". County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.