Respite care option #2: Companion care

How it helps: An elder companion can prepare meals, do light housekeeping, help with laundry, shop for groceries, run errands -- and, most important, offer companionship to the person you care for when you can't be there.

What it costs: Companion care can range from free services provided by local volunteers to $10 or more per hour for help arranged through an in-home care agency, depending on the type of care needed and the time of day. Medicaid or Medi-Cal may help pay some of the costs of care from a licensed provider for those who have low incomes and few assets.

How to get started: From local sources to national groups and organizations, there are many sources for companion care.

• Word-of-mouth referrals. If you know of a neighbor, friend, or family member who's been able to find a good match for companionship needs, ask how -- and whether he or she might be able to recommend others for the position.

• In-home care agencies. Start your search by using Caring.com's In-Home Care Directory to find an agency near your loved one -- and to see ratings and reviews.

• Meals on Wheels. In addition to providing the hallmark service they're known best for -- deliveries of meals to the homes of older adults and others with mobility limitations -- many local Meals on Wheels programs provide outreach services, including a Friendly Visitor Program that pairs a volunteer with a neighboring senior. Begin your search for local help at the Meals on Wheels website.

• The Area Agency on Aging. Trained staff at your local Area Agency on Aging can usually provide referrals for local help.

• Local newspapers. Try placing an ad briefly describing your needs in a local or community newspaper.

• Local high school students. Contact area high school counselors. College-bound students often need community service experience and are available afternoons and evenings.