Short-Term Respite Care

Short-term respite care is temporary care that gives family caregivers a break - from a few hours to a few weeks. It can be provided at home, in an adult day program, or as a brief facility stay, keeping your loved one safe while you rest or attend to other needs.

Original Medicare covers respite only under the hospice benefit, paying for up to five consecutive days of inpatient respite at a time. Outside hospice, respite is generally paid through Medicaid waivers, VA benefits, long-term care insurance, or out of pocket. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for details.

Respite ranges from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the program and your needs. Hospice respite is limited to up to five consecutive days per stay. In-home and facility respite outside hospice can be arranged for longer periods, subject to cost and availability.

Respite is available through home care agencies, adult day centers, assisted living communities, and nursing facilities, as well as Area Agency on Aging programs. Use the Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov) to find providers, or call 1-800-MEDIGAP for personalized help.

Costs depend on the setting. In-home respite often follows hourly home-aide rates, while facility respite may be billed daily, similar to assisted living or nursing rates. Medicaid waivers, VA benefits, and nonprofits can offset costs. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to explore affordable options.