Respite Care

Temporary care of a patient by a substitute caregiver to provide relief to the regular caregiver.

Over 50% of U.S. states have respite programs. Medicaid supports almost 50%; grants, 25%; and private funds, 25%.

Programs may be provided in the home by respite care agencies or by home health care agencies; in the community by adult day care centers, respite care cooperatives, or freestanding respite facilities; in a long-term care institution, eg, by board-and-care facilities or nursing homes; or in a hospital. The duration of care may vary (eg, respite care may be limited to 28 days in a calendar year).