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What Is Respite Care and How Do You Find It?

For most caregivers, taking care of someone with cancer is just one of many responsibilities. When a loved one needs a lot of help or cannot be left alone, it’s especially hard to keep up with everything else or to take time for yourself when you need it. Taking a break from caregiving, even for a short time, can help you catch up and recharge, so you can continue to provide support for your loved one.

If you cannot leave your loved one alone or don’t have family or friends to relieve you, respite care may be an option.

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What is respite care?

Respite care is short-term care that allows caregivers to take a break to rest or focus on other responsibilities. It’s a way to be sure your loved one still gets the care they need when you can’t be there.

Respite care can take many forms, depending on what kind of help your loved one needs and how long you need to be away. It can be arranged for:

  • Just a few hours during the day or week, either as needed or on a regular schedule
  • Daily shifts that allow you to keep a work schedule
  • Overnight stays
  • A few days and nights to give you a true break
  • Several weeks, in some cases

What type of care does respite care provide?

The care given during respite care depends on what your loved one needs, where it’s provided, and who provides the care. Services may include:

  • Help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, bathing, or toileting
  • Help with household tasks, such as cleaning, meal prep, or laundry
  • Companionship
  • Transportation for appointments
  • Help with medicines
  • Wound care

When looking for respite care, ask each provider what services they offer. Some agencies or individuals are not able to handle medicines or provide medical care.

Respite care options

Respite care may be provided in the home, at adult day centers, or at residential or healthcare facilities, depending on care needs.

In-home options

In-home respite care lets your loved one stay in familiar surroundings while you’re away or need to take a break. Care can range from companionship for a few hours to help with daily care needs. Some providers also offer overnight care.

Independent caregivers and in-home care agencies

A respite caregiver will come to the home. The caregiver learns about your loved one’s care needs and your family routine. The caregiver can be from a home care agency or be an independent provider. Services vary by provider. Their hours may vary and include days, weekends, after hours, or holidays.

Volunteer companions or sitters

Sometimes, in-home respite care may involve just having someone to come sit with your loved one for a few hours, once or twice a week. This is sometimes offered by local civic groups, faith communities, and other community groups. Be sure that the sitter or companion knows what to do if there’s an emergency while you are gone.

Outside the home

Depending on the type of care needed, respite care may also be provided in an adult day center or a residential or healthcare facility.

Adult day center

Adult day centers are facilities where someone can go during the day while you work or do other tasks. These centers are usually open Monday through Friday, but some may offer weekend or evening services.

Services provided at each facility may vary. They may offer:

  • Medication management or other healthcare services
  • Social activities
  • Music, arts and crafts, exercise, or games
  • Meals and snacks
  • Help with ADLs, such as toileting, eating, and grooming
  • Transportation to and from the program

Eligibility may vary by center. Usually, adults qualify if they have mild or moderate dementia, a medical condition, or physical disability, and need help with at least 1 ADL and with managing medication.

Residential or healthcare facility

If respite care is needed for at least several days, it can be provided in some residential or healthcare facilities. This may be a:

  • Nursing home
  • Assisted living facility (ALF)
  • Hospice facility or inpatient unit (IPU)
  • Group home

Not every facility offers respite stays, and the types of services provided will vary. Check with the facility to see what services they offer.

Common concerns about respite care

Deciding to use respite care is not always easy. Many caregivers worry about taking a break, leaving their loved one with someone else, or how their loved one will react. These feelings are normal.

Many caregivers feel guilty about taking time away from caregiving, even when they need to. Using respite care does not mean you are letting your loved one down. It means making sure they continue to get the care they need while you focus on something else that needs your attention.

You may need respite care so you can:

  • Go to work or school
  • Care for children or other family members
  • Attend your own medical appointments, dental visits, or cancer screenings
  • Run errands or take care of responsibilities at home
  • Travel or attend an important event
  • Rest, sleep, or focus on your health
  • Spend time with family or friends
  • Do something you enjoy
  • Take a break and recharge

Some responsibilities cannot be postponed or avoided. Others may help you stay healthy and manage the stress of caregiving. Both are valid reasons to use respite care.

Caregiving is hard on your body and your emotions. Taking breaks may help you:

  • Have lower stress
  • Stay healthy and feel better
  • Prevent or manage caregiver burnout
  • Return to caregiving with more energy

You don’t have to wait until you feel overwhelmed or exhausted to ask for help. In fact, starting respite care early and on a regular schedule can be helpful. Planning respite care before you urgently need it can give you and your loved one time to become comfortable with the arrangement.

Bringing up the need for respite care can be tough for your loved one, especially if they don’t want it. They may not like the idea of having someone else help with their care. Be honest with them. Let them know why respite care is needed, but also listen to their concerns. Include family and friends in these conversations for extra support.

If your loved one is able, involve them in planning and choosing a respite care provider. This can help them become more comfortable with the plan.

Being present for a few of the first respite care sessions can be helpful. For example, schedule a time to attend the respite care program or facility with your loved one, or be present in the home when the care is provided. This allows your loved one to get comfortable with the new provider while having you there for support and backup if needed.

Also, make sure normal routines and activities are included. This can help your loved one feel more comfortable and keep care consistent.

Having someone else provide care for your loved one can be scary. You may be worried about their safety, and this is normal. Here are a few things you can do to help protect their safety:

  • Make sure the caregiver or respite care provider knows how to reach you in case of an emergency. Have a plan in place if one does occur.
  • Choose a backup contact in case you can’t be reached immediately.
  • Keep an updated list of doctors, preferred hospitals, pharmacies, and medicines for the caregiver or facility.

For facilities, programs, or agencies:

  • Visit the potential respite care facility a few times to see how people in the program and staff interact.
  • Have your loved one do a trial day when you can be present.
  • Choose a facility or agency that provides the services you need and that your loved one is comfortable with.
  • Check for reviews and ratings of the program, agency, or facility.
  • Ask family and friends who have used respite care facilities about their experiences and recommendations.
  • Ask for the credentials and training of the staff members providing the care.
  • Find out how they handle emergencies and changes in staff members providing care.

For companions, sitters, or independent providers:

  • Interview multiple providers in person and see how they interact with your loved one. Choose the provider who gives you the services you need and makes your loved one feel safe and comfortable.
  • Complete a background check prior to hiring. If they have a professional license, check that it is active and in good standing with the licensing board.
  • Check for a valid driver’s license if they will be driving your loved one places.
  • Talk with references or other family members or friends who have used them in the past.
  • Keep caregivers consistent. For example, try to have the same people provide care each time respite care is needed. You may have one caregiver who covers days and another one who covers nights.

How to find respite care

Finding the right respite care provider can take some time. Most areas may have more than one option.

Ask for a recommendation

Start with your loved one’s healthcare team. Let them know what type of respite care you need, and ask for a recommendation. They can usually offer referrals or names of providers they have worked with before.

If your loved one is in hospice, their hospice care team can help arrange respite care.

If you have friends or family in the area who have used respite care in the past, ask them, as well.

Search online directories

Local, state, and national resources can also help you find respite care in your area.

Check with your insurance

If you are using benefits through Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, your health plan, or a long-term care policy, check with your insurer about covered locations or providers. If your plan covers respite care, you may need to use preferred providers.

How to choose a respite care provider

There are many things to look for when choosing a respite care provider or service. First, decide what services you need. Then you can look for respite care providers that offer those services. If you are getting respite care through your benefits provider, check to see if they have a list of providers they work with. If you are paying out of pocket, look for a provider that fits your budget.

Here are some questions to ask a respite care program or agency to help you choose:

  • What days of the week and hours are services provided? Do you provide weekend and holiday coverage?
  • How do you handle emergencies? What happens if my loved one’s respite care provider is unavailable?
  • Are your staff licensed, and have they completed a background check?
  • What duties can the care provider assist with? Are they able to help with medical care or give medications?
  • Can we tour the facility or do a trial day?
  • How do we pay for services? Do you accept grants, financial assistance, or insurance payments?

Paying for respite care

Respite care may or may not be covered or reimbursable by insurance, which can add financial stress for caregivers or the person needing care. It can be costly, and the cost can vary depending on the type of care provided and length of service.

If you are worried about costs, there are programs you can look into that may help with some or all of the expenses. You can also talk with your healthcare team or a social worker.

Some state Medicaid programs help pay for respite care for people who have Medicaid through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Coverage is different in each state. Check with your state or benefits provider to confirm coverage and eligibility.

If your loved one is in hospice, Medicare usually pays for respite care under Part A hospice benefits. Care is usually covered for up to 5 days at a time in a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility (SNF), hospital, or hospice facility. You may have to pay a 5% copay. Talk to your hospice provider about setting up and paying for respite care.

Medicare does not pay for respite care outside of the hospice benefit. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may provide this benefit. If you have one of these plans, check with your benefits provider about coverage.

Respite care may be covered under a long-term care insurance policy. Check with your benefits provider to see if respite care is covered.

VA benefits may cover respite care in a nursing home, adult day center, or in your home through a paid caregiver. Respite care in a nursing home can be provided for up to 30 days per calendar year.

To be eligible, the person needing care must:

  • Receive VA benefits
  • Meet the criteria for the service
  • Have access to the service in their location

Talk with a VA social worker or your loved one’s VA healthcare team to determine the best option and set up services.

Some private health plans may cover respite care. Check with your plan to see if they do. You can also check with your or your loved one’s employer to see if they have an employee assistance plan (EAP) that may offer caregiver-related benefits.

If you don’t have coverage

For people who don’t have coverage or qualify for assistance, care will need to be paid for out of pocket. If neither of these is an option, check with family or friends to see if they can help care for your loved one. Even if they can only help for short periods of time, this can still help you take a break and recharge. Also, talk with your loved one’s healthcare team to see if they can offer any other support or resources.

For connecting and sharing during a cancer journey

Anyone with cancer, their caregivers, families, and friends, can benefit from help and support. The American Cancer Society partners with CaringBridge, a free online tool that helps people dealing with illnesses like cancer stay in touch with their friends, family members, and support network by creating their own personal page where they share their journey and health updates.   

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Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

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Last Revised: August 7, 2026

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