Respite care is short-term care for an older adult so the family caregiver can rest, work or travel. It can be a few hours of in-home help, a day at an adult day center, or a short stay in assisted living or a nursing home. Typical 2025 national medians: $35 an hour for in-home help and $95 a day for adult day care. Help paying can come from Medicare hospice, the VA, Medicaid waivers and local Area Agencies on Aging.
Types of Respite Care
| Type | How it works | Typical cost (2025 median) |
|---|---|---|
| In-home respite | A paid caregiver or sitter comes to the home | About $35 an hour |
| Adult day center | Daytime activities, meals and supervision | About $95 a day |
| Short-term residential stay | Several days or weeks in assisted living or a nursing home | Daily rate, often prorated from about $6,200 a month for assisted living |
| Volunteer or faith-based | Companion visits from volunteers | Often free |
Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey national medians. Local rates vary widely.
Programs That Help Pay for Respite
- Medicare hospice: if your loved one is in hospice, Medicare covers inpatient respite for up to 5 days at a time; you may pay 5% of the approved amount.
- VA: eligible veterans can receive up to 30 days of respite care a year.
- Medicaid waivers: many states pay for respite through home and community-based programs.
- National Family Caregiver Support Program: run through local Area Agencies on Aging; find yours through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
- CMS GUIDE Model: some dementia care programs in this Medicare model include funds for respite.
- Long-term care insurance: many policies cover respite days.
How to Set Up Respite Care
- Decide what you need: a few hours a week, a regular day off, or coverage for a trip.
- Write a care sheet: medicines, routines, diet, mobility, emergency contacts.
- Start small with a short visit so your loved one meets the new caregiver.
- Check references and background screening for any paid caregiver.
- Book regular breaks before you hit burnout.
Signs You Need a Break
- Feeling exhausted, irritable or hopeless most days
- Skipping your own doctor visits
- Pulling away from friends
- Getting sick more often
Respite is not giving up. It helps you keep caregiving longer and safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are respite services?
Respite services give family caregivers temporary relief by having someone else provide care for a few hours, a day or a few weeks, at home, at an adult day center or in a care facility.
How much does respite care cost?
National 2025 medians were about $35 an hour for in-home care and $95 a day for adult day care, according to CareScout. Short stays are billed at a facility’s daily rate.
Does Medicare pay for respite care?
Only through the hospice benefit, which covers inpatient respite for up to 5 days at a time. Medicare does not otherwise pay for respite or custodial care.
Does the VA cover respite care?
Yes. Eligible veterans can get up to 30 days of respite care a year at home, an adult day center or a VA community living center.
How do I find respite care near me?
Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to reach your local Area Agency on Aging, or search the ARCH National Respite Locator.
Sources: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey; Medicare.gov hospice coverage; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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