The purpose of respite care is to disengage, reduce stress, relax, and reset. It can take many forms as needed. Caregiving situations that are long and intensive need planning and preparation more than shorter, less intensive ones.

Family, friends, volunteers with community-based organizations, and paid services are available. Most people draw on those nearest first, combine others as needed to help caregivers break away knowing the care recipient is safe and content.

In-home respite care: This is the most flexible and can be unpaid or paid.

a) Unpaid (or paid) family and friends know you and likely the care recipient too. They’re also familiar with your household routine and are trusted.

b) Paid professionals have special expertise or training, but initially aren’t familiar with you, the care recipient, or the household.

c) Paid custodial and companion care keepers are usually unskilled and paid hourly. Agencies minimum engagement is at least 4 to 8-hours. The dynamics are such that their staff want longer engagements to get income stability, and shorter or irregular

Home health care agencies offer medical and nursing services while others offer custodial and companion care. They are very different and the latter can’t legally do anything medical, which precludes administering medicine.

Adult day care provides a safe, secure, and social environment for the care recipient, and a consistent work environment and stable income for staff. There are three types; social, health and dementia, many are state-sponsored programs, and the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator is a good way to locate them.

Short-term stays at senior living facilities and nursing homes are a good option for longer respite periods, for example a family vacation. Facilities, staff, and social environment are all in place and available.