Finding respite care starts with knowing what type you need and then working through a short list of national and local resources designed to connect caregivers with providers. The process is more straightforward than it looks, but options vary significantly by location, budget, and the level of care your loved one requires.
Three Main Types of Respite Care
Formal respite care falls into three categories: in-home respite, adult day centers, and facility-based overnight stays. Each serves a different situation, and many caregivers use more than one over time.
In-home respite brings a trained aide or companion into your home for a few hours or a full day. Your loved one stays in familiar surroundings, and you can leave the house or simply rest. This is the most flexible option and works well for people who have mobility challenges or feel anxious in new environments.
Adult day centers operate during business hours and provide structured activities, meals, and supervision in a group setting. They’re a good fit when you need reliable coverage on a recurring schedule, like while you’re at work. Many also offer health monitoring and social engagement that benefits the person receiving care.
Facility-based overnight respite takes place in assisted living communities, nursing homes, or dedicated respite facilities. This is the option to look into when you need a longer break, whether that’s a weekend, a week-long trip, or coverage during an emergency. Some facilities accept planned stays and others can accommodate urgent requests, though availability depends on your area.
Start With the National Respite Locator
The ARCH National Respite Network maintains a searchable database called the National Respite Locator Service. You enter your state and care situation, and it returns matching providers in your area, primarily home care agencies, assisted living communities, and state or community-based programs. It’s free to use and available at archrespite.org.
One important caveat: the database is not a comprehensive list of every respite provider that exists, and ARCH does not verify the backgrounds, references, or qualifications of listed agencies. Treat it as a starting point for building a shortlist, not as a vetted recommendation. You’ll need to check credentials, read reviews, and ask about staff training before hiring anyone.
Contact Your Area Agency on Aging
Every region in the United States has an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that connects older adults and caregivers with local services, including respite care. These agencies know which programs operate near you, which ones have openings, and which offer sliding-scale fees or subsidized rates for people who qualify. To find yours, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov and search by zip code.
AAAs are especially useful if you’re looking for programs that aren’t listed in national databases. Many community organizations, faith-based groups, and volunteer networks provide respite care locally but don’t have the visibility of larger agencies. Your AAA will know about them.
Check Your Eligibility for Funded Programs
Medicaid Waivers
If your loved one is enrolled in Medicaid, they may qualify for respite care through a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. These state-run programs cover a defined number of respite hours per year as part of a broader care plan that can also include personal care aides, homemaker services, and adult day programs. Eligibility rules, the number of hours covered, and the application process differ by state. Contact your state Medicaid office or ask your AAA to walk you through the specifics.
Medicare
Original Medicare does not cover respite care in most situations. The one exception is the hospice benefit: if your loved one is enrolled in hospice under Medicare Part A, respite care is covered for up to five consecutive days at a time in a certified hospital, skilled nursing facility, or inpatient hospice facility. Outside of hospice, Medicare won’t pay for it.
Veterans Benefits
All enrolled veterans are eligible for VA respite care if they meet the clinical need and the service is available at their local VA facility. Nursing home respite through the VA is capped at 30 days per calendar year. If the VA arranges care through a community agency, adult day center, or nursing home outside the VA system, the veteran also needs to meet community care eligibility requirements. Start by contacting your local VA medical center’s social work or geriatrics department.
What Respite Care Costs Out of Pocket
When you’re paying privately, costs depend on the type of care. A non-medical home health aide runs a national median of $34 per hour, which adds up to roughly $1,360 per week for full-time (40-hour) coverage. Most caregivers don’t need that many hours. Even booking four to eight hours a week gives you meaningful time to recharge.
Adult day centers are more affordable on a per-day basis, with a national median of about $100 per day. That covers a full day of supervision, activities, and meals. For comparison, a semi-private room in a nursing home averages just under $300 per day, so adult day care is significantly less expensive for daytime coverage.
Costs vary widely by region. Urban areas and states with higher costs of living tend to run well above these medians. When you’re comparing providers, ask whether rates include meals, transportation, or personal care assistance, since those extras can change the real price considerably.
How to Evaluate a Provider
Once you have a shortlist of agencies or facilities, a few steps will help you choose well. Call each provider and ask about staff qualifications, training in your loved one’s specific condition (dementia care training, for example, if that’s relevant), and whether the same aide will come each visit or if staff rotates. Consistency matters, especially for people with cognitive impairment who do better with familiar faces.
Ask whether the agency is licensed in your state and whether it conducts background checks on its staff. Request references from current clients. If you’re considering a facility for overnight stays, visit in person. Look at the environment, observe how staff interact with residents, and ask about the ratio of staff to clients during the hours your loved one would be there.
For in-home care, consider scheduling a trial visit while you’re still in the house. This lets you see how the aide interacts with your loved one and gives your family member time to adjust before you leave. Many agencies will accommodate this.
Planning Ahead Makes a Difference
Respite care works best when you arrange it before you’re in crisis. Good providers fill up, especially during holiday periods and summer months. Adult day centers may have waitlists, and facility-based overnight stays often require advance booking. If you anticipate needing respite in the coming months, start making calls now.
Build relationships with more than one provider if possible. Having a backup means you’re not scrambling if your regular aide gets sick or your preferred facility has no openings. Some caregivers rotate between in-home care on weekdays and facility-based care for occasional longer breaks, which also gives their loved one variety and social stimulation.
Keep a care information sheet ready to hand off to any respite provider. Include your loved one’s medications, daily routine, dietary needs, behavioral triggers, emergency contacts, and any medical equipment instructions. The smoother the handoff, the more comfortable everyone will be, including you.