Respite Care for Seniors
A few hours, a day or a weekend of cover so the family member doing the caring can rest, work, see a doctor or travel. Post what you need for free and hire a caregiver directly.
What a respite caregiver can help with
- Taking over the usual routine while you are away
- Meals, medication reminders and personal care
- Company and activities
- Overnight cover for a weekend or a trip
- Regular weekly hours so you have time for yourself
- Notes on how the day went
What to know before hiring a respite caregiver
Family caregivers carry most long-term care in the U.S., and burnout is a common reason a home arrangement breaks down. The federal National Family Caregiver Support Program funds respite through local Area Agencies on Aging, and the ARCH National Respite Locator lists respite programs by state.
Planned respite works best when the respite caregiver meets the person beforehand and has written notes on routines, medications and emergency contacts.
Questions to ask
- Can you do a short paid visit first, while I am home?
- Are you available at short notice if I am ill?
- Can you stay overnight, and what do you charge for it?
- What would you need from me in writing?
Respite Care by state
Each state page lists its cities. Each city page shows local Census figures and the Medicare-certified providers nearby.
Respite Care: common questions
Does Medicaid or Medicare pay for respite care?
Medicare pays for short inpatient respite stays only for people on its hospice benefit (Medicare.gov). Many state Medicaid home and community-based programs, veterans’ programs and the National Family Caregiver Support Program fund respite. Our guide Medicaid programs for family caregivers: who can be paid, and the rules in 12 states covers your state.
How much notice do respite caregivers need?
For a planned weekend or trip, two to four weeks lets you interview and do a trial visit. For regular weekly respite, set a fixed day so the caregiver can keep it free.
Find respite care for someone you love
Posting is free and takes about ten minutes. Caregivers near you can see it as soon as it is live.
Create your free family accountLooking for caregiving work instead? Create a free caregiver profile.
