Respite care is a short-term professional service that allows you to take a break from your usual routine of daily care as a primary caregiver. The break may last for a few hours, several days, or even weeks. As caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, respite care offers caregivers a much-needed “respite” while ensuring that their loved ones receive professional support.
While nearly 4 in 10 family caregivers want respite services, just 14 percent receive them, according to “Respite Services: A Critical Support for Family Caregivers,” a 2024 report from the AARP Public Policy Institute.
What do Respite Care Services Involve?
Beyond shifting duties to someone else, respite care offers many services to the person receiving care. So, when you plan respite care, always consider what your loved one needs most.
For example, are they lonely? Would they benefit from physical activity or activities that challenge their brain? Do they need help taking medications or staying on a certain schedule? Make a list of what you do for your loved one each day and why each task is important. This can help you decide the type of respite care that’s most appropriate,
as well as where it should take place (in or outside the home).
Depending on what you arrange, respite care may provide your loved one:
- Opportunities for conversation and companionship
- Structured social activities like art, exercise or dance
- Activities targeted to their specific cognitive or developmental needs
- Skilled medical care, including assistance with medications or medical devices
- Help with bathing, going to the bathroom or other self-care
- Prepared meals (outside the home) or help with preparing meals (at home)
- Transportation to and from a daycare center or other location
When to use Respite Care
During your respite, someone else – typically a trained professional – takes on your caregiving duties. This might involve helping with medications, fixing meals or simply providing companionship. Respite care helps people who are caring for adults and children of all ages, including those with medical needs. For example, respite care might be an option if you’re caring for a loved one with:
- An intellectual or developmental disability
- A terminal illness
- Dementia
- A mental health disorder
- Any chronic health condition
Why is Respite Care so Important?
- Reduces Caregiver Stress:
Caregiving can lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. A study from the Family Caregiver Alliance found that approximately 40% of caregivers report significant emotional strain. Respite care offers a valuable opportunity for caregivers to rest and recuperate, which can improve their overall mental health.
- Improves Quality of Life:
Respite care not only benefits caregivers but also enhances the quality of life for those receiving care. By providing stimulation and social interaction, it can help reduce feelings of isolation and depression in individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions.
- Supports Long-term Care:
Regular access to respite care can help caregivers sustain their caregiving roles over the long term. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, caregivers who take breaks are more likely to continue providing care for an extended period, which ultimately benefits the care recipient.
Key Statistics
- Prevalence of Caregiving:
In the U.S., approximately 53 million adults provide unpaid care to someone aged 18 or older, as reported by AARP. This represents about 21% of the adult population.
- Respite Care Utilization:
Despite the evident need, only about 14% of family caregivers utilize respite services, primarily due to a lack of awareness and availability of resources.
- Respite Care Works:
Approximately 60% of caregivers with critical needs reported that respite care services helped them “a lot” or a “great deal” and allowed them to be more involved in social activities and enjoy time with their friends or relatives.
Where Does Respite Care Take Place?
- Your Home:
Respite care in your home allows your loved one to stay in a comfortable, familiar setting.
- Respite Care Provider’s Home:
Respite care in someone else’s home allows your loved one to experience a setting that doesn’t feel too different from home.
- Daycare Center:
Daycare centers typically offer respite care for up to eight hours a day on weekdays for children with developmental disabilities or other needs. You’ll also find adult day services in settings like community centers, churches, and assisted living facilities.
- Nursing Home or Hospital:
Some nursing homes and hospitals can accommodate overnight respite care.
This may be something you plan or that you access in an emergency.
- Camp:
Camps teach valuable skills to those who attend and offer a chance for socialization and friendship.
- Group Home:
Group homes sometimes offer short-term respite care when space allows.
Respite care in group homes can be a helpful option for your loved one to enjoy independence in a safe environment.
- Crisis Nursery:
Crisis nurseries provide emergency respite care for babies and children.
They support parents undergoing a wide range of challenges, including homelessness, sudden illness or the need for immediate medical care. Crisis respite care can help ease the load for parents and caregivers and prevent situations that include abuse or neglect.
Where Can You Find Respite Care Services?
As part of your homework, you can start by searching the National Respite Locator Service. You can search by location, as well as look for respite care for specific people, like veterans or children with special medical needs.
Among other places to look:
- Area agencies on aging
- These are government or nonprofit groups that assist older adults in every part of the country. They will know about funding sources, volunteer programs, care agencies and facilities in your area. You can find your local agency at the Eldercare Locator or by calling 800-677-1116.
- The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
This helpful resource has links to respite providers around the country.
- Respite coalitions
Organizations in many states advocate for people with disabilities and chronic conditions, along with their care partners, and are a possible source of training and respite vouchers.
- The National Adult Day Services Association
Another option to help search for a center near you.
- The Alzheimer’s Association
Check with your local chapter for information on respite care for dementia patients. Groups focused on other diseases and disorders can offer similar help.
- Volunteer groups
Elder Helpers, AmeriCorps Seniors and local Interfaith Caregivers groups, can find local people willing to visit your loved one and help with household chores. Your area agency on aging should know about groups near you, Young says.
- Calendars to schedule family and friends.
If you are relying on volunteers, services like Lotsa Helping Hands and CareCalendar can help you sign up and create a schedule for family members, friends and neighbors willing to help.
Conclusion
Respite care is a vital support system for caregivers, ensuring they can take necessary breaks while their loved ones receive quality care. By understanding the importance of respite care, recognizing the statistics surrounding it, and knowing how to access services, caregivers can improve their well-being and enhance the quality of life for those they care for. Prioritizing respite care is not just beneficial; it is essential for sustaining the caregiving relationship in a healthy and effective manner.
HCC is proud to provide Respite Care for families in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
Sources:
AARP
Cleveland Clinic
Mayo Clinic
ArchRespite.org
