Respite care is provision of temporary care by a substitute caregiver to provide relief to the regular caretaker. Over 50% of US states have respite programs. Programs may be provided in different settings:

• In the home by respite care agencies or by home health care agencies
• In the community by adult day care centers, respite care cooperatives, or freestanding respite facilities
• In a long-term care facility (eg, by board-and-care facilities or nursing homes)
• In a hospital

Duration of care may vary (eg, limited to 28 days in a calendar year).

Support comes from Medicaid (almost 50%), grants (25%), and private funds (25%).

Last full review/revision June 2009 by Mary Ann Anderson, PhD, RN