Glossary

Respite Care

Definition
Short-term, temporary care for an aging or disabled family member — at home, in a facility, or at adult day care — designed to give the primary caregiver a break.

Respite care can be a few hours, a weekend, or a couple of weeks. It can be in the senior's home (a paid aide), in adult day care, or in a residential facility for a short stay.

Some Medicaid HCBS waivers, the VA, and certain Older Americans Act programs cover respite. Even unpaid respite is one of the most evidence-backed interventions for caregiver burnout.

See also

Related terms

  • Caregiver BurnoutChronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion in someone providing long-term care to a family member, often accompanied by depression, withdrawal, and declining health of the caregiver.

Sources

Sandwich is a directory and information site. This glossary is not legal, medical, or financial advice. For decisions that affect your family, consult a licensed professional. Editorial policy.

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