Respite care is the planned, paid-for break that lets a family caregiver keep going. Most families can get it funded, and many never find out how.

Around 64 percent of family caregivers report high emotional stress and one in five say their own health has declined because of caregiving. Respite is the single most protective thing a caregiver can do, and there is more funding for it than most families realize. This guide explains where respite comes from, who pays, and links you to the detailed guide for your state.

You are not failing by needing a break. You are protecting the person you care for.

Why Respite Matters

Caregiving without breaks is not sustainable. The research is consistent: caregivers who do not take regular respite face higher rates of depression, physical illness, and burnout, and the people they care for more often end up in a nursing facility sooner. Around 64 percent of caregivers report high emotional stress and 45 percent high physical strain; dementia caregivers and live-in spousal caregivers carry the highest risk. Respite is not stepping away from your loved one. It is the maintenance interval that lets you keep providing care.

Where Respite Comes From

1. NFCSP Grants (Free, No Income Test)

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), funded by Title III-E of the Older Americans Act, flows through every state's Area Agencies on Aging. It pays for in-home respite, adult day vouchers, caregiver training, counseling, and supplemental services. There is no income test for its respite services. Eligible caregivers include those caring for an adult age 60 or older, anyone caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, and grandparents or relatives raising children.

This is the first place most families should call. Reach your Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or your state's aging helpline (in your state's guide below).

2. Medicaid Respite

If the person you care for is enrolled in a Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver or a self-directed program, respite is usually a covered service. It can be authorized in the care plan and delivered by a hired worker. Ask the case manager or care coordinator to add respite hours. Some states reimburse respite specifically for unpaid family caregivers.

3. VA Respite (for Veterans)

Veterans enrolled in VA health care can access respite through their VA medical center, including in-home aide services, adult day health, and short-term facility stays. The Primary Family Caregiver in the VA's PCAFC program receives respite as part of the benefit. Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.

4. Adult Day Programs

Adult day services provide structured daytime care, typically 4 to 8 hours a day, with meals, activities, and supervision. For caregivers of people with dementia, consistent adult day attendance often reduces behavioral symptoms and restores reliable weekday hours. NFCSP grants and Medicaid can help pay for it.

5. What Does Not Cover Respite

Medicare does not cover respite except a limited inpatient benefit within the hospice benefit (a few days per benefit period). Outside hospice, respite funding comes from NFCSP, Medicaid, the VA, or private pay.

Find Your State's Respite Guide

Respite programs, funding caps, and helplines vary by state. Pick your state for the exact programs and how to access them.

Not sure where to start with respite? Chat with Brevy's care navigator for a personalized list of funded respite options based on your state, your loved one's Medicaid enrollment, and veteran status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides free respite through every state's Area Agencies on Aging, with no income test for its respite services. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or dial 211 to reach your local agency.

Yes, for people enrolled in a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver or self-directed program. Respite is a covered service that can be authorized in the care plan. Ask the case manager to add respite hours. Your state's guide below has the specifics.

Only within the hospice benefit, which covers a limited number of inpatient respite days per benefit period. Outside hospice, Medicare does not cover respite; funding comes from NFCSP, Medicaid, the VA, or private pay.

Start with your local Area Agency on Aging, reachable in every state through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or by dialing 211. They maintain directories of in-home respite providers, adult day programs, and short-term facility respite.

Sometimes. Under many Medicaid self-directed programs, a hired worker (who can be a non-spouse relative in most states) can provide authorized respite hours. NFCSP-funded respite is usually delivered by a contracted provider. See your state's guide for the rules.

Learn More

Find personalized help finding and funding respite care at brevy.com.

The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.

BC

Brevy Care Team

Expert eldercare guidance from Brevy's team of healthcare professionals and researchers.