Respite Care in University, FL: Breaks for Family Caregivers

Local figures

Respite Care in University, FL: the local picture

4,520

residents 65 or older (9.4% of University)

59%

of residents 65+ in households live with someone, often a family caregiver

33%

of residents 65+ report a disability (35% in Hillsborough County)

9

Medicare-certified hospices serve University ZIP codes

Most older adults in University live with someone: 59% of residents 65 and older in households do. When one of them needs care, the person they live with usually provides most of it, and respite is what keeps that sustainable.

About 1,198 University residents aged 65 or older report a disability (33%) (35% in Hillsborough County). Many of them rely on a spouse or adult child day to day.

Medicare lists 9 hospices serving University ZIP codes. For someone on hospice, Medicare also covers short inpatient respite stays so the family caregiver can rest.

University compared with Hillsborough County and Florida

Census figure	University	Hillsborough County	Florida
Residents 65+ with a disability	33%	35%	31%
Residents 65+ in households who live alone	41%	24%	25%
Residents 65 or older	9.4%	15%	21%
Residents 85 or older	1.7%	1.6%	2.6%
Residents 65+ below the poverty line (approx.)	25%	14%	12%
Households with no vehicle	21%	5.8%	6.0%
Median income, households headed by someone 65+	$34,813	$55,570	—

Older residents in towns around University

Town	Distance	Residents 65+	65+ with a disability
Lake Magdalene, FL	3.1 mi	6,509	31%
Temple Terrace, FL	4.2 mi	4,445	28%
Lutz, FL	4.5 mi	4,909	30%
Carrollwood, FL	5.2 mi	6,809	27%
Egypt Lake-Leto, FL	6.1 mi	5,255	46%
Northdale, FL	6.1 mi	4,080	44%

Hospices serving University

Hospice	Office	Distance	Phone
Lifepath Hospice	Temple Terrace, FL	5.1 mi	(813) 877-2200
Affinity Care Of Hillsborough LLC	Tampa, FL	5.9 mi	(813) 535-7711
Accent Care Hospice & Palliative Care Of Hillsboro	Tampa, FL	8.6 mi	(813) 607-2630
Gulfside Hospice, Inc	Land O Lakes, FL	10 mi	(727) 845-5707
Suncoast Hospice Of Hillsborough, LLC	Brandon, FL	15 mi	(813) 561-7300

Nursing homes near University (ask about short stays)

Nursing home	Town	Distance	CMS overall rating	Certified beds	Phone
The Bristol Care Center	Tampa, FL	0.6 mi	2 of 5	266	(813) 971-2383
Palm Garden Of Tampa	Tampa, FL	0.9 mi	4 of 5	120	(813) 972-8775
Blue Palms Health And Rehabilitation Center At Fle	Tampa, FL	1.2 mi	3 of 5	163	(813) 632-2455
Excel Care Center	Tampa, FL	1.2 mi	4 of 5	120	(813) 979-9400

Straight-line miles from the center of University. Medicare (CMS) data, October 2026; call ahead to confirm. We are not affiliated with these providers.

What it covers

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

Cost

What respite care costs in University

At the Florida median aide wage of $16.25 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,408 a month in wages, which is 49% of the $2,901 monthly median income of University households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Florida's minimum wage rose to $15.00 an hour on September 30, 2026, under Article X, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution.

Hiring directly, you agree the rate with the caregiver and usually become the household employer (U.S. Department of Labor rules). Some families qualify for programs that pay for care at home; see How to get paid to take care of a family member in Florida: SMMC LTC and the PDO.

Before you hire

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.

Questions worth asking: 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? More in our respite care guide.

CaregiverConnect does not run background checks. Check identity, references and any certification yourself before anyone starts. The Safety Center explains how.

Questions

Respite Care in University: common questions

Which hospices serve University?

Medicare lists 9 hospices for University ZIP codes, including Lifepath Hospice, Affinity Care Of Hillsborough LLC, Accent Care Hospice & Palliative Care Of Hillsboro.

How much does respite care cost in University?

At the Florida median aide wage of $16.25 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,408 a month in wages, which is 49% of the $2,901 monthly median income of University households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Florida's minimum wage rose to $15.00 an hour on September 30, 2026, under Article X, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution.

Does Medicaid or Medicare pay for respite care?

Medicare pays for short inpatient respite stays only for people on its hospice benefit (Medicare.gov); the hospices on this page serve University. Many state Medicaid home and community-based programs, veterans’ programs and the National Family Caregiver Support Program fund respite. Our guide How to get paid to take care of a family member in Florida: SMMC LTC and the PDO covers Florida.

More near University

More senior care near University

Respite Care in nearby cities

Other care in University

More for University families

Sources

Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year; CMS provider data (October 25, 2026); U.S. DOL state minimum wages (July 1, 2026); BLS OEWS May 2025 aide wages, which cover employed aides rather than private rates.

Respite Care in University, FL