Full Definition

Family caregiver burnout is a leading reason for premature senior care placement and caregiver health crises. Respite care — whether for a few hours, a day, or several weeks — allows caregivers to rest, address their own needs, or handle other obligations while ensuring their family member is safely cared for.

Types of respite in Texas: in-home respite (a professional caregiver comes to the home); adult day programs (structured daytime care outside the home); and residential respite (a short-term stay at a licensed care facility). The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers up to 5 consecutive days of inpatient respite care per benefit period at a Medicare-approved facility for hospice patients whose family caregiver needs a break.

Texas HHSC and Area Agencies on Aging fund some respite programs for family caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association and other advocacy organizations may provide caregiver respite subsidies.