Who Pays for Respite Care? A Complete Guide for Families

Caring for a loved one can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Respite care offers short-term relief for family caregivers, giving them time to rest, recharge, or handle personal tasks.

But many families ask the same question: Who pays for respite care? This guide will help you understand your options.

Table of Contents

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care services offer temporary help for families caring for someone with health needs. It can last a few hours, a few days, or longer. Care may be provided in the home, at a skilled nursing facility, or at an adult day health care center.

The type of care varies depending on the needs – whether it’s help with activities of daily living or medical support from a home health aide.

Why Families Need Respite Care

Family caregivers are the backbone of long-term care in the U.S. But even the most dedicated caregivers need a break. Respite care allows them to:

Reduce stress and prevent burnout
Tend to their own health
Focus on work or personal life
Maintain better care for their loved one

Who Pays for Respite Care?

Finding out who covers respite care costs can be confusing. Below are the most common options.

Medicare

Medicare only covers respite care under specific conditions. It must be part of a hospice care plan, and the patient must meet hospice eligibility. This includes a terminal illness diagnosis and choosing comfort care over treatment.

Coverage is usually for up to 5 days at a time in a Medicare-approved skilled nursing facility.
The goal is to give the informal caregiver (usually a family member) a short break.
Medicare does not cover routine or in-home respite care services.

Medicaid and HCBS Waivers

Medicaid can help cover respite care, especially through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.

HCBS waivers vary by state but often include home respite care, adult day health care, and short-term facility stays.
Eligibility criteria often include low income and a need for assistance with personal care or activities of daily living.
In most states, families must apply through the state Medicaid office and undergo an assessment.

While HCBS is a great option for many, the type of care and number of hours covered may vary depending on the waiver program.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The VA offers respite care through its medical benefits. Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care may qualify if they need assistance with personal or medical tasks.

Options include home health care, adult day health care, and short stays in VA facilities.
Programs include the Veteran-Directed Care Program, Aid & Attendance, and Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
Services vary depending on the veteran’s condition, service history, and available caregivers.

Families must contact their local VA office to learn more.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Some long-term care insurance policies do cover respite care. However, benefits and rules differ greatly.

Coverage may include home health aide visits, home respite care, or short stays in care facilities.
Policies often require a waiting period and proof that the person needs help with activities of daily living.
It’s important to review your plan or talk to your agent to understand what’s included.

State and Local Programs

Some states fund respite care services through special programs or grants.

Examples include the Lifespan Respite Program and Area Agencies on Aging initiatives.
These programs may offer vouchers, grants, or direct services for family members in need.
Eligibility and services vary depending on state budgets and priorities.

To find out what’s available, contact your state’s Department of Aging or a local Area Agency on Aging.

Nonprofit Organizations

Many nonprofits exist solely to support caregivers.

Organizations like the ARCH National Respite Network, Alzheimer’s Association, and Easterseals often offer respite care through local partnerships.
Some provide grants, volunteer caregivers, or access to home health care at reduced costs.

Searching local directories or speaking with social workers can help families locate these resources.

Private Pay and Out-of-Pocket Options

Many families end up paying for respite care themselves.

The cost of respite care depends on the type of care, provider, and location.
Home-based services may range from $20 to $40 per hour. Facility-based care may cost $150 to $300 per day.
Families often pool resources, set up care budgets, or take turns among family members.

You can reduce costs by combining options – such as a few days of adult day health care plus home visits from a home health aide.

Life Examples

Example 1: A daughter caring for her father with Alzheimer’s uses a state-funded voucher to pay for four hours of home respite care each week.

Example 2: A veteran’s wife gets five days of inpatient respite covered by the VA, allowing her to go out of town for a funeral.

Example 3: A family uses their mother’s long-term care insurance to pay for a month of home health care, giving the main caregiver time to recover from surgery.

Questions to Ask When Exploring Funding

Before choosing a respite option, ask the following:

Does this program cover respite care, and what type is included?
What are the income or age limits?
Are there waiting lists?
How long will the coverage last?
What paperwork or documentation is needed?

The Role of Documentation

Having the right documents can make or break your ability to access respite care services:

Proof of income for Medicaid or state-funded programs
Medical evaluations to show the need for assistance with activities of daily living
Policy documents for long-term care insurance
Service connection records for VA benefits

Keep these records organized to speed up the process.

Final Thoughts

Understanding who pays for respite care takes time, but the benefits are worth it. Whether through government programs, private insurance, or out-of-pocket solutions, there are ways to afford the help caregivers need. Every family deserves support, and respite care can make all the difference.

Learn More About Our Respite Care Services

Ready to explore your options or need help getting started?

Visit our Respite Care Services page to learn how All American Home Care can support your family today.