It’s not an easy thing to discuss, but providing care for someone with critical medical needs can be emotionally, physically, and even financially taxing. Often seen in the case of individuals caring for elderly family members, this can range anywhere from regular check-ins and providing transportation to clinic appointments, to live-in home care and round-the-clock attention.
For some, providing this long term care effectively requires putting nearly everything else in life on hold, and that kind of commitment isn’t trivial. Endured for too long, it can lead to caregiver burnout, health concerns for the caregiver, and reduced quality of care services.
Respite care provides a possible option that may help caregivers from overexerting themselves, even if hiring long term professional caregivers isn’t an option. And it may be surprisingly affordable, if you know where to look.
What Is Respite Care?
This is actually a pretty familiar concept. Society has long recognized the reality that no adult can be “on-duty” 100% of the time. Employees get vacation days and can have coworkers or temp staff cover their shifts. Teachers are supported by substitutes when they fall ill or need to take time away from the classroom.
Even parents know they sometimes need a break from their tiny charges, and often solicit the help of friends, family, or babysitters to alleviate the burden for an evening.
Respite care fills this function for those providing care to patients with major medical concerns. This can take a number of forms, from in-home visits, to “adult day care” facilities, to assisted living respite (sort of a cross between a hotel and a memory care facility).
Regardless of the format, the idea is the same: professional care providers fill in for the usual caregiver, so that they can have some relief.
And it’s not just for the patient’s family, either. In situations where the senior is receiving long term care from professionals, but won’t have access to the caregiver or facility for a time, respite care can help bridge the gap.
Factors Affecting Respite Care Cost
How expensive respite care is will depend on a few factors, and knowing those in advance may help you gauge your expectations and plan accordingly.
- Type and level of care needed: where will the patient receive care? How specialized or intensive will it be? In home care or at a long term care facility will likely cost more, while adult day care can be more affordable. Similarly, paying for fully trained nurses is more expensive than otherwise.
- Duration of care: just like any hotel, vacation, or temp worker, duration plays a factor. The longer the respite, the more you’re paying for. That said, just like with hotels, some providers and facilities offer better rates for longer arrangements, while some are intended for single-day caregiving or brief stays.
- Location: where you live and where you seek care will have an impact on price, in part due to how insurance works in the US.
- Time of service: similar to the first point, but worth its own bullet. Evening/night care, weekend care, or care provided on holidays will likely cost more, for the same reason those things cost more in other industries.
- Funding support: while it may not directly impact the price, getting help in paying for respite care can definitely impact the final care cost.
Average Costs of Respite Care in 2025
According to the latest data from Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, here are the average costs for different types of respite care in 2025:
- In home care: The national average cost for in home care is about $35 per hour. This can translate to about $220 for an 8-hour day or $1,400 for a 40-hour week.
- Adult day care: On average, adult day care centers charge about $103 per day. This makes it one of the more affordable options for regular respite care.
- Assisted living facilities: For short-term stays, assisted living facilities charge an average of $200 per day. This option often includes meals, activities, and 24-hour care.
- Nursing homes: For those needing more intensive medical care, nursing homes charge an average of $314 per day for a semi-private room and $361 for a private room.
It’s important to note that these are just averages. Your actual costs might be higher or lower depending on your specific situation and location. Also, some facilities offer discounts for longer stays or regular bookings. Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown, and don’t hesitate to ask about pricing options when you’re researching care providers.
Estimated Costs for Daily, Monthly, and Annual Respite Care
To help you better understand and plan for respite care expenses, let’s break down the costs into daily, monthly, and annual estimates.
As you review the figures below, remember: these are rough estimates based on national averages, and most people seeking respite care only do so occasionally or intermittently. The base costs will vary. Similarly, the cost of having one day of respite care a week over the whole year will look different from a month-long vacation you take only once, just as a few examples.
Daily Costs:
– In-home care: $220 (based on 8 hours of care)
– Adult day care: $80
– Assisted living respite: $200
– Nursing home respite: $314–$361
Monthly Costs (assuming 5 days a week of care):
– In-home care: $6,677
– Adult day care: $2,232
– Assisted living respite: $6,077
– Nursing home respite: $9,555–10,965
Annual Costs (assuming 5 days a week of care for 50 weeks):
– In-home care: $80,126
– Adult day care: $26,780
– Assisted living respite: $72,924
– Nursing home respite: $114,665–$131,583
How to Pay for Respite Care
If some of the figures listed above seem…intimidating, that’s understandable. Most families can’t afford to throw around figures above a hundred grand like it’s pocket change. But you don’t necessarily have to pay for it all out of your own pocket; there are ways to subsidize and reduce costs, from insurance, to government programs, to assistance from non-profit organizations.
- Private Pay: Some families pay for respite care out of pocket. While this can be expensive, it offers the most flexibility in choosing care providers and services.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Some long-term care insurance policies cover respite care. Check your policy or contact your insurance provider to see if this is an option for you.
- Veterans Benefits: If your loved one is a veteran, they may be eligible for respite care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Medicaid Waivers: Some states offer Medicaid waiver programs that can help cover the cost of respite care for eligible individuals.
- Medicare: While Medicare doesn’t typically cover respite care, it may cover short-term respite care for hospice patients.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Some non-profit organizations offer grants or low-cost respite services. Check with local charities or disease-specific organizations (like the Alzheimer’s Association) for potential resources.
- Sliding Scale Fees: Some respite care providers offer sliding scale fees based on your income. Don’t hesitate to ask about this option.
- Government Programs: There are both programs at both the state and federal level to help families pay for respite care. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for information about programs in your area.
- Tax Breaks: even if paying out of pocket is feasible for your family, there are still ways to limit the financial impact, such as deductions for medical expenses, using an FSA, and dependent care credits.
Of particular note are some dedicated government assistance programs. Below is a non-comprehensive list that probably deserves an article all on its own:
- Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
- Lifespan Respite Care Program
- Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)
Beyond that, as mentioned in the first list, there are state-specific programs that may be available to help.
The Costs and Benefits of Care
If you’re overseeing the medical care of an elderly loved one, you are already acquainted with many of the costs involved. For the primary caregiver, the costs are primarily tied to time, energy, emotional toll, and potential loss of income. For those who already pay for care, the financial burdens can often be overwhelming on their own.
While there may not be perfect answers or painless solutions to these concerns, you’re not alone, and you’re not without options. So as you do your best to help and comfort those you look after, don’t hesitate to see what’s available to make life a little more bearable for you as well.
We at Inhomecare.com hope to help you and your loved ones. Visit our site and take the first step toward a safer, more independent future today!
