What is respite care?

Respite care is short-term care that gives a family caregiver a break while the person they look after continues to be cared for in a safe setting. The National Institute on Aging says it can last from a few hours to several weeks and can take place at home, in a health care facility or at an adult day center. Family, friends, volunteers or paid professionals can provide it.

Only in limited cases. The National Institute on Aging says that for a person receiving hospice care, Medicare covers most of the cost of up to five consecutive days of respite in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Medicare's GUIDE dementia model also pays for some respite for qualifying caregivers. Otherwise, most respite is paid by families, Medicaid in some cases, or some long-term care insurance policies.

Someone else takes over care for a set time, from a few hours to several weeks, so the main caregiver can rest, travel or run errands. The Alzheimer's Association says respite can be provided at home by a friend, relative, volunteer or paid service, or in a care setting such as an adult day center or a long-term care community offering an overnight stay, a few days or a few weeks.

Sometimes. The National Institute on Aging says respite from a friend, relative or volunteer may cost nothing, while professional services charge by the hour or by the number of days or weeks. Medicaid may help pay, most private health insurance does not, and some long-term care insurance policies cover it. The Alzheimer's Association suggests asking about scholarships, sliding scale fees and government programs.

Respite care helps the person with dementia as well as the caregiver. The Alzheimer's Association says it gives the person a chance to interact with others having similar experiences, spend time in a safe, supportive environment, and take part in activities designed to match their abilities and needs. It notes that regular stays can make adjusting to a new setting easier for someone who finds change difficult.