Respite care is planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with a special need in order to provide temporary relief to the family caregiver of that child or adult. Respite services may be provided in a variety of settings, including the home, adult day care centers, or residential care facilities.

What kinds of respite services are available?
There are several types of respite that can provide relief for a family caregiver.  It is best to evaluate the type of support both you and the individual for whom you are caring require.  Consider the skills needed, where services should occur, and how often respite is needed. Answering these questions can help you determine the options you should consider: Is respite needed in the home or would it be better provided outside the home?  Do you need it for free time for yourself to run errands or for medical appointments or treatment?

In-Home Respite Care

• • Informal family support and relief
• • Volunteer or paid companionship
• • Personal care or in-home assistance

• • Residential respite care
• • Adult Day or Health Care

• • The Family Caregiver Support Program provides support for family caregivers of older adults.  Caregivers must be an adult (18 years of age and older).  Information on this program is available by calling a statewide toll free number 1-800-510-2020 at the California Department of Aging.
• • Medi-Cal also provides respite services under some of their home and community based services waivers.
• • Respite may be available for veterans.  Contact the Veteran’s Regional Administration office for more information.