Kinds of respite
- A short stay in a licensed care home. A few days to a few weeks in a board and care home or assisted living community.
- In-home respite. A home care aide for a few hours or overnight. Non-medical agency home care costs about $36 to $40 an hour in West Los Angeles, the only LA rate our source publishes.
- Adult day programs. Daytime care and activities outside the home, several days a week.
Help paying for it
- California Caregiver Resource Centers offer family caregivers consultation, support groups, counseling, legal and financial consultation, and financial help with respite such as in-home support and adult day care.
- Medicare hospice benefit. For someone on hospice, Medicare covers short inpatient respite stays of up to five days so the caregiver can rest.
- Long-term care insurance policies often cover respite. Check the policy.
- VA benefits may help eligible veterans. Ask the VA.
Arranging a short stay in a care home
Not every home takes short stays, and it depends on having an open bed on your dates. Homes usually ask for the same paperwork as a move-in: a physician's report, a TB test, a medication list, and an admission agreement. Start a few weeks ahead when you can.
A respite stay is also a low-pressure way to try a home before deciding on a permanent move. We find homes that take short stays. See respite placement.