Respite care is a special name for a short-term break for caregivers. When you look after someone who’s sick or disabled, it’s a 24-hour job. You need a break from time to time to look after your own needs. That’s where respite care can help.Respite care can take place:

  • In your home
  • At special day care centers
  • In residential centers that offer overnight stays

Your breaks can be as long or short as you need them to be. You can set up respite care for a few hours, a day, a few days, or a few weeks.

Someone who has an illness or disability may need care around the clock. Caregivers sometimes need time to rest and relax, go on vacation, shop, go to appointments, work, or exercise.

You might use respite care if you’re in charge of someone who has a condition like:

  • Cancer
  • A brain injury
  • Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
  • A stroke
  • Blindness
Respite care offers a safe, comfortable place for your loved one while you’re away. Trained providers can sit and talk with someone who’s disabled or ill. They may also help your loved one:

  • Bathe
  • Dress
  • Eat or drink
  • Take medications.
  • Exercise
  • Enjoy the outdoors
  • Get in and out of bed

In-home respite care can also handle household chores for the caregiver, such as laundry, preparing meals, and shopping. Or you could arrange for someone to drive the person you care for to medical appointments.

Respite caregivers may do something as simple as sit with someone for an afternoon while a regular caregiver takes a break.

You can also choose group respite care. Usually, this takes place at assisted living facilities, adult adult day care centers, or community centers.

These programs might include music, dance, or art classes led by trained providers. They often offer group meals, entertainment, or just time to socialize with others.

Someone who’s elderly or ill may feel isolated if they’re at home all the time. Caregivers can feel isolated, too. Respite care may be a welcome break for both of you.

Respite care allows you to take a timeout from your caregiving responsibilities. You may need a regularly scheduled break, last-minute help when an emergency comes up, or a longer rest to recharge your batteries. You may be away for a few hours or a few weeks.

A respite caregiver could be a friend or family member who steps in. Or you might hire a trained professional who can take on more complex tasks.

You can choose to have someone come to your home, or your loved one can go somewhere else for respite care.

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