February 26, 2026
If you’re caring for an aging parent, spouse, or other loved one, you know how demanding the role can be. Between managing medications, preparing meals, helping with personal care, and providing companionship, caregiving often becomes a round-the-clock responsibility. It’s meaningful work, but it’s also exhausting. That’s where respite care comes in—and it might be exactly what both you and your loved one need.
What is respite care?
Respite care is temporary care for your loved one that gives the primary caregiver a much-needed break. It’s a recognition that caregivers need rest to continue providing quality care over the long term.
Everyone’s heard the idiom you can’t pour from an empty cup, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Taking time to recharge isn’t selfish—it’s essential for everyone’s well-being, including the person you’re caring for.
Respite care can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on your needs. It might happen in your loved one’s home, at an adult day program, or in a residential care facility. The goal is always the same: To give you time to rest, handle personal matters, or simply take a breath while knowing your loved one is in capable hands.
“Usually when we have respite care, it’s highly dependent on availability,” said Maricel Halmo, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Marysville. “Our minimum stay is three weeks to 30 days.”
Halmo understands that this can be challenging for families looking to book a respite stay in advance.
“I have people come to me trying to plan a vacation months in advance, but that’s not really how respite works,” Halmo noted. If her building is currently full, she is happy to check with other Fieldstone communities and offer some local alternatives.
Caregivers need respite
The statistics tell a sobering story. Family caregivers experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and physical health problems than noncaregivers. Many neglect their own medical appointments, skip meals, lose sleep, and sacrifice social connections. This isn’t sustainable, and it ultimately affects your ability to provide good care.
You might need respite care if you’re experiencing any of these signs of caregiver burnout:
- Feeling constantly exhausted
- Becoming easily frustrated or angry
- Withdrawing from friends and activities you used to enjoy
- Ignoring your own health needs
- Feeling resentful about your caregiving responsibilities
- Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
Recognizing these signs isn’t a failure—it’s wisdom. Taking breaks through respite care can help you return to caregiving refreshed and better able to provide patient, compassionate care.
“Some families need respite because of a planned surgery, or just because they are feeling burnt out,” Halmo shared. “Just yesterday I spoke with a family who need to care for both parents—something they never anticipated.”
So why is respite care an underused tool for family caregivers? These are some common concerns:
My loved one will feel abandoned. Most seniors understand that their caregivers need breaks. Some feel relieved to know they’re not overburdening you. Think of respite care as something that helps you continue caring for them in the long run, not as a punishment or abandonment.
“Typically, people move back home after the short respite stay, but occasionally it can turn into a regular stay,” Halmo said. “It can be a good way to dip your toes in. Our leases are month-to-month, so if you aren’t sure if you’re going to need long-term care, you have flexibility.”
I can’t afford it. Respite care costs vary widely. Some options, like adult day programs, may be covered by Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, or long-term care insurance. Local Area Agencies on Aging often know about subsidized programs.
I feel guilty taking time for myself. This might be the biggest obstacle. Remember that taking care of yourself isn’t optional—it’s a necessary part of sustainable caregiving. Your loved one benefits when you’re healthy, rested, and emotionally balanced.
“There are additional challenges when it comes to cognitive decline,” Halmo noted, emphasizing why professional respite care can be especially valuable for families caring for loved ones with dementia.
Getting started with respite care
Begin by assessing your needs. How often do you need breaks? What activities or tasks are you neglecting because of caregiving? Start small if the idea feels overwhelming. Try a few hours of in-home care or send your loved one to an adult day program for one day. See how it goes for both of you. Most families find that once they experience the benefits, they wish they’d started sooner.
Talk with your loved one about respite care when they’re having a good day. Explain that it helps you stay healthy so you can continue caring for them. Involve them in choosing the type of care if possible.
“There’s still an assessment and doctor’s orders required, and we set up the room for them,” Halmo explained. “People can be in a shared room or by themselves. If there’s a shared room available, we have to make sure that is going to be a good fit for your loved one.”
Respite care isn’t a luxury—it’s a vital tool for sustainable caregiving. You deserve support. Your loved one deserves a caregiver who isn’t running on empty. Respite care helps make both of those things possible. The question isn’t whether you should consider respite care, but rather when you’ll take that first important step toward getting the support you need.