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Merck Manual
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The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
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Home /
Older People’s Health Issues /
Providing Care to Older People /
... /
Respite Care /
IN THIS TOPIC

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OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Providing Care to Older People
Continuity of Care
Care Providers: Practitioners
Care Providers: Family and Friends
Settings for Care for Older People
Care of Older People in the Home
Day Care for Older People
Respite Care
Retirement Communities
Assisted–Living Communities
Board-and-Care Facilities
Life-Care Communities
Nursing Homes

Test your knowledge

Family Caregiving for Older People
Family caregivers play a key role in caring for chronically ill older people. Caregivers can often delay or prevent the need for placement in residential care facilities. Which of the following is the percentage of home caregiving provided by family members?

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Respite Care

By

Debra Bakerjian

, PhD, APRN, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, UC Davis

Last full review/revision Jul 2020| Content last modified Jul 2020
Click here for the Professional Version
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version

Respite care involves providing temporary care for an older person so that the regular caregiver can have a break. In the United States, over half of states have respite programs. Programs may be provided in different settings:

  • In the home by respite care agencies or 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 (such as a board-and-care facility or nursing home)

  • In a hospital

How long the respite care lasts may vary. Funds may come from Medicaid, grants, and private funds.

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The following are some English-language resources that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Day Care for Older People
Retirement Communities
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Day Care for Older People Day Care for Older People

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