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 Burnout — Chronic 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.