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.
“We offer respite stays from 14-30 days for an all-inclusive rate,” said Ashley Campoy, Community Relations Director at Fieldstone of Silverdale. “We also offer a day stay program, Monday through Friday, either half day or full day. That’s like a mini respite program for caregivers who work full time. Some people will do it every couple of months as a regular break.”
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.
“For a planned vacation, I try to give families several options to explore,” Campoy noted. “But if it’s caregiver burnout and they need help right away, we can see if we have something available immediately.”
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.
Campoy emphasizes that respite care can serve multiple purposes.
“People also use respite as a trial run. I’ve had residents who stayed with us for 30 days after rehab and then transitioned to permanent residency. Families who are struggling can just try it out—it doesn’t need to be permanent right away,” she explained.
“One caregiver’s husband attended our adult day stay program while she worked full time,” Campoy recalled. “Eventually, she moved him in permanently.”
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.
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.
One challenge families should be aware of: availability can be unpredictable.
Campoy explains, “We don’t hold certain rooms specifically for respite, so it’s only available if there’s an opening. We do acknowledge that is a challenge for planning ahead.”
For this reason, Campoy works to help families find solutions even when Fieldstone of Silverdale is full.
“I will refer families to other Fieldstone communities to see if I can find availability, but I also refer them to other respite care communities in the area,” she said. “I try to tell people to have a backup plan, especially if they are planning a vacation.”
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.
