Respite care: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What respite care is

Respite care steps in for a family caregiver so they can rest or handle other duties, providing short-term supervision and care at home or a facility. It can be a few hours, a day or a short stay.

Signs you need it

  • You are a full-time caregiver and have no breaks
  • You need to travel, work or attend to your own health
  • A caregiver is worn out and needs time off
  • Your loved one needs supervision while you run errands
  • You want to try a facility stay before a longer move

What the pro does

  • A visit or call to learn the care routine and needs
  • A written plan with medications as set by the doctor, meals and emergency contacts
  • Caregiver takes over supervision and care for the agreed time
  • Notes shared with the family when they return
  • Review and scheduling of the next stay

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Hours or days of coverage
  • Home or facility stay
  • Level of care
  • Overnight needs
  • Special needs such as memory loss
  • Agency or individual

What a written quote should spell out

  • Dates, hours and tasks
  • Medication handling rules
  • Emergency plan and contacts
  • Billing and cancellation terms
  • Facility rules if applicable

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What training do your caregivers have?
  • How do you learn my loved one's routine?
  • What happens in an emergency?
  • Can you do overnight?
  • What are the facility rules?
  • How do I reach you during respite?

Red flags

  • No written plan or emergency steps
  • Won't share caregiver screening
  • Caregiver changes medication
  • Pressure to book long stays
  • Vague answers about supervision

What you can do yourself

Family can ask friends, join caregiver groups and set a schedule for breaks. Medication, health changes and hands-on care should involve the doctor and a trained caregiver. Call emergency services in an emergency.

Licenses and permits

Home care providers and facilities are commonly licensed or registered by the state. Ask for the license and check it with your state licensing agency.

Respite care questions

How long can respite last?

It varies from hours to days. Ask the provider.

Can my loved one try it first?

Many providers offer a short trial, such as a few hours at home or one night, so your loved one can adjust.

What if they refuse care?

Ask the provider how they handle it.

Is it covered by insurance?

Sometimes, through certain plans or programs. Ask the provider and your plan.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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