I'm worn out. How do I get a break from caregiving?
Caring for a parent is hard work, and needing a break is normal. Where respite care comes from, what Medicare and others pay for, and who to call.
If you ever feel you might hurt yourself or your parent, call or text 988 now.
Where can I get a break?
Respite care is care that gives you a break. Your local Area Agency on Aging may offer it through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Read where can I get help as a family caregiver?.
Adult day programs give care during the day. Home care agencies can send an aide for a few hours.
What does Medicare pay for?
Respite: Only for people in hospice. They can stay up to 5 days so the caregiver can rest.
Adult day care: Medicare does not pay for adult day care. Medicaid may help if your parent qualifies, and some Medicare Advantage plans add it.
The Veterans Affairs (VA) family caregiver program gives main caregivers of eligible veterans at least 30 days of respite care a year.
Look after yourself too
Ask family and friends for specific help, like one meal a week or one afternoon. Keep your own doctor visits. Support groups through your Area Agency on Aging can help you feel less alone.
Checklist
- Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 and ask about respite care.
- If your parent is in hospice, ask the hospice team about a respite stay.
- Look up adult day programs and home care near you.
- Ask family or friends for one specific kind of help.
Common questions
Does Medicare pay for respite care?
Only for people in hospice. They can stay up to 5 days so the caregiver can rest.
Does Medicare pay for adult day care?
Medicare does not pay for adult day care. Medicaid may help if your parent qualifies.
Who can I call for help?
The Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 can connect you with your local Area Agency on Aging. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Do you know what to do next?
Sources
- Written by
- The PlanScout team. Updated Oct 26, 2026.
- Corrections
- See something wrong? Tell us. We fix confirmed errors within 2 business days and note the change in the page's change log.
Sources (4)
- Medicare.gov: Hospice care
- Medicare.gov: Long-term care
- ACL — National Family Caregiver Support Program (retrieved Oct 26, 2026)
- VA.gov — Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (retrieved Oct 26, 2026)
This guide is general information, not medical, legal, or financial advice. Confirm details with the provider, your plan, or a licensed professional.