If you are a caregiver to a family member, you know that managing their needs along with balancing your other responsibilities can be overwhelming at times. Many caregivers are in what is known as the “sandwich generation,” meaning they are caring for aging parents and children, and often work as well. Many caregivers face physical exhaustion, isolation and loneliness. Respite care provides temporary relief, allowing the family member to receive the care they need while the caregiver takes a break to recharge, reconnect with other family members and take care of their own health.
What Kind of Respite Care Services are Available?
Respite care can take place in many different settings, and the right one for your family will depend on many factors, such as cost and the time period and level of care needed. Some examples include:
- Informal respite care. This could be another family member, friend or neighbor stepping in to care for your loved one for a short period.
- In-home respite care. Professional caregivers come to the home, allowing your family member to stay in their own environment.
- Adult day centers. These centers offer a safe and engaging place for your care recipient to stay during the day while you work or manage other responsibilities.
- Residential or facility-based respite care. Short-term stays of a few days to a week are often available in skilled nursing or assisted living communities.
How Much Does Respite Care Cost?
The cost of respite care will vary based on the type you choose. In-home care tends to cost less than facility-based care, but that can depend on the level of care needed. Adult day centers can be more affordable than short-term stays in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. If your family member has more complex needs, the cost for care can be higher, and location is also a factor. If you live in a large city, the cost can be higher than if you live in a smaller town or rural area.
Who Pays for Respite Care? Coverage for respite care can depend on many factors. An article published by the National Council on Aging gives a good overview on Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance coverages for this kind of care.
Does Medicare Cover Respite Care?
Medicare’s coverage for respite care can be limited. Medicare Parts A and B covers respite care, with a small copay, if the person covered is eligible for hospice benefits. The care must take place in a Medicare-certified hospital, skilled nursing or inpatient hospice facility, and covers care for two 90-day benefit periods followed by an unlimited number of 60-day benefit periods. For non-hospice situations, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include benefits that Medicare Parts A and B don’t, such as in-home respite care and adult day services. Check with your family member’s plan provider to find out what benefits are available.
Does Medicaid Cover Respite Care? Almost all states cover some form of respite care through Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers. Your family member must first qualify for Medicaid, and coverage is based on strict rules based on the care recipient’s income, assets, and health or disability status. Since Medicaid is administered by the states, every program has different eligibility requirements and coverages. Check with your family member’s state Medicaid agency for more information.
What are Other Options to Pay for Respite Care?
If a family member doesn’t qualify for respite care under Medicare or Medicaid, there are many other options to help you fund the cost of these services, such as:
- Veteran benefits. If your family member is a veteran who receives benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, they may be able to get respite care services through the VA. The VA also offers the VA Caregiver Support Program, which includes services to help ease the strain and expense of caregiving.
- Long-term care insurance. If your family member has long-term care insurance, respite care may be covered by the policy benefits.
- Private health insurance. If you have private health insurance through your employer, contact the plan provider to see if your plan offers any supplemental benefits for caregivers or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Respite care grants/financial assistance programs. Some organizations provide grants and other types of financial aid to help families get the services they need. Below are just a few of these organizations:
Trio Healthcare Offers Compassionate Respite Care
At Trio Healthcare, our respite care services provide your loved one with the exceptional care they deserve, along with opportunities for socialization, engagement and cognitive stimulation, so you can care for yourself. We also offer rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, assisted living, memory care and short-term care. Contact us for more information about our competent, compassionate and outcome-oriented care.