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Can You Get Respite Care at Home?
Date Updated: December 9, 2024
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Sarah has produced thousands of articles in diverse niches over her decade-long career as a full-time freelance writer. This includes substantial content in the fields of senior care and health care. She has experience writing about wide-ranging topics, such as types of care, care costs, funding options, state Medicaid programs and senior resources.
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Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Yes, you can get respite care at home. Many home care agencies offer temporary visiting services to give family caregivers a break while ensuring seniors still receive the support they need. Agencies personalize plans to meet individual requirements, with visiting hours and duration also detailed in care plans.
In-Home Respite Services
Professional caregivers temporarily relieve family members of duties, completing the same tasks as they would. They assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, brushing teeth, dressing and eating. Aides also help people move around the home and transfer between the bed and a chair.
Respite services include domestic assistance, such as light housework and laundry. If necessary, aides also provide transportation to local appointments and run errands. Some respite care plans include companionship hours designed to alleviate loneliness. Seniors who don’t want to remain at home without family assistance may consider a temporary stay in a residential assisted living community.
Benefits of Respite Care at Home
Sometimes, family and friends need time away from their caregiving responsibilities. They may need to attend to work matters, take care of children, recover from a personal sickness or engage in leisure pursuits, such as a vacation. Respite care provides peace of mind that a loved one receives the support they require and the practical services that enable them to remain at home safely while their regular caregiver tends to other matters.
Paying for Respite Home Care
Many state Medicaid programs pay for temporary in-home care through regular state plans or Home and Community-Based Services waivers. Although conditions vary among states, qualifying criteria generally include financial limits and functional needs. Families can get more information from their local Area Agency on Aging.
Additionally, VA benefits pay for in-home respite care for eligible veterans, and many long-term care insurance policies cover services. However, seniors who don't qualify for public funding or don't have insurance coverage must pay for respite care from private funds, such as income and savings.