Respite care: how to take a break from caring

What respite care is

The National Institute on Aging describes respite care as short-term relief for primary caregivers. It can last from a few hours to several weeks, and can happen at home, in a health care facility, or at an adult day center.

Kinds of respite

• Family, friends or volunteers stepping in for a few hours.
• Paid care workers who come to the home.
• Day centres or adult day care.
• A short stay in a care home.
• Respite holidays for carers and the person they care for (NHS).

Finding and paying for it

• UK: the NHS says that if you want the council to help pay for respite, both you and the person you care for should have an assessment: a carer’s assessment for you and a needs assessment for them.
• US: the NIA points to the ARCH National Respite Locator Service to find local programs, and Medicaid may help in some states.
• Ask local carers’ groups and charities about what is available near you.

Making a break work

Plan ahead: share a list of medicines, routines and contacts, and try a short break first so everyone can get used to it.