Respite care is short-term care for an older person so the main caregiver can rest, travel or see other people. It can last from a few hours to several weeks, at home, in a health care facility or at an adult day center (National Institute on Aging). Most private health plans do not pay for it, but Medicaid, the VA and some long-term care policies may help.
Who may pay for respite care
| Source | What it may pay | Who can use it |
|---|---|---|
| Family, friends, volunteers | May have no cost (National Institute on Aging) | Anyone |
| Medicare hospice benefit | Most of the cost, for up to 5 days in a row in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (National Institute on Aging). You may pay 5% of the Medicare-approved amount (Medicare.gov) | People receiving Medicare hospice care. Medicare does not otherwise cover respite |
| Medicaid | May provide payment assistance (National Institute on Aging) | People who qualify; varies by state |
| VA Home Respite Care | A person comes to the home, or the veteran attends adult day health care (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) | Veterans who need help with daily activities, or who are isolated, or whose caregiver is experiencing burden |
| VA Nursing Home Respite Care | A stay in a VA Community Living Center or a community nursing home. Schedule ahead (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) | As above. Services vary by location |
| Long-term care insurance | Some plans may cover it (National Institute on Aging) | Check the policy |
| Private health insurance | Most plans do not cover it (National Institute on Aging) |
The main types
- At home. A relative, volunteer or paid aide stays with your parent for a few hours or days.
- Adult day center. Your parent spends the day in a supervised group program, often with meals and activities (National Institute on Aging).
- Short stay in a facility. Some nursing homes and assisted living communities take short-term guests. Ask early, as there may be a minimum stay or a wait.
How to find it
- Search the ARCH National Respite Locator for state programs, adult day centers and services for veterans (National Institute on Aging).
- Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 and ask for your Area Agency on Aging (U.S. Administration for Community Living). Ask specifically about caregiver support and respite programs.
- For a veteran, ask the VA social worker or the VA medical center about respite (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
Asking for help
Many caregivers say later that they did too much on their own (National Institute on Aging). It can help to start with a small request, to ask by text or email if that is easier, and to match the task to what each person is good at. If someone offers, try saying: "Thanks for asking. Here's what you can do."
Common questions
How long can respite care last?
The National Institute on Aging says it may last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks at a time. What a program will pay for depends on the program.
Does Medicare pay for respite care?
Only for people receiving hospice care. Medicare covers most of the cost of up to five consecutive days of respite in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Can a family member provide respite care?
Yes. Family, friends and volunteers can step in, and that may cost nothing. Whether a program will pay a relative depends on the program and the state.
Related guides
Medicare hospice benefit
Who qualifies for the Medicare hospice benefit, how the 90- and 60-day benefit periods work, what you pay in 2026, and what Medicare stops covering.
Home care vs. home health care
Non-medical home care helps with daily life. Home health care is skilled medical care. See the differences and what Medicare will and will not pay.
Sources
- What Is Respite Care?, National Institute on Aging (NIH). Checked November 8, 2026.
- Hospice care, Medicare.gov. Checked November 8, 2026.
- Respite Care, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Checked November 8, 2026.
- What Is Long-Term Care?, National Institute on Aging (NIH). Checked November 8, 2026.
- Eldercare Locator, U.S. Administration for Community Living. Checked November 7, 2026.
This guide explains general rules. It is not medical, legal or financial advice for your situation. Program rules and amounts change, usually each January (Medicare and Medicaid) and each October (VA). Confirm details with the agency or a qualified professional before you decide. See our editorial policy.