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How To Find Respite Care Near Me

Respite care is a valuable resource for a family caregiver. Whether you access informal or formal care, respite services provide caregiver support in the form of a much-needed, temporary break from caregiving responsibilities. 

At Trualta, we know how important respite care services can be for caregivers. Check if you have free access to our learning library, where you’ll find important information on respite topics like:

  • How to ask for help
  • What to look for in a respite provider
  • How to navigate difficult feelings, like guilt, when getting respite

A respite care service may be provided in different locations. For example: 

  • In your home, provided by friends, family, trained staff from home care businesses, and skilled respite care providers. Home health care, homemaker, or personal care services can give caregivers the opportunity for a break, but they’re not usually regarded as an official respite care service. 
  • Outside of your home, provided by private and non-profit respite care services. For example:
    • Facilities like nursing homes, hospitals, or group homes 
    • Adult day care centers
    • Caregiver retreats or respite camps
A caregiver is speaking to a healthcare worker who is wearing a light blue medical uniform. They are in a waiting area. The background consists of a neutral-colored interior with chairs and large windows.

How Can I Find Respite Care Near Me? 3 Tips To Help

Finding respite care may seem daunting. You can use these 3 strategies to help you on your journey. 

1. Assess Your Needs

Before searching for respite providers, narrow down your search by listing out what you need. This can help you know what you want (and what you don’t!) in respite services. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What kind of help do I need? For example:
    • Do I need longer breaks less often or shorter breaks more frequently? 
    • Do I want my loved one to remain in the home while receiving care or receive respite elsewhere? 
    • How do I want to use my time?
  • What help does my care recipient need? For example:
    • Do they need formal skilled care, or can they receive support from trusted informal caregivers like family, friends, or members of their community faith group?
    • Would they benefit from socializing with others or engaging in new activities at an adult day care center? 
    • Do they need help with personal care activities like using the toilet or eating? 
    • Do they have mobility challenges?
  • What support do I need to access respite? For example:
    • Does my care recipient need transportation to an adult day care facility? 
    • Do I need financial support to pay for respite care?
  • Does my loved one’s demographic qualify them for funding or specific support? For example:
    • Disabilities qualifying for Medicaid waivers
    • Hospice care
    • Veterans
    • Grants for specific conditions or age groups

A great way to do this is to track your daily activities for a week or two. Notice how you feel and when you think breaks would be most useful. 

2. Use Respite Care Locator Resources

Now that you have a stronger understanding of your needs, you can use the following tips and resources to help find respite care near you. 

  • The ARCH National Respite Network lists resources and links on their National Respite Locator Service to help you find resources in your state and local community.
  • The Eldercare Locator. Type in your zip code at the top to find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). They can help you find respite services in your area. 
  • National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) can help you find a center near you. 
  • Do an online search. Include any relevant terms like:
    • Your city or state
    • Your care recipient’s diagnosis or condition
    • The term “respite care near me” or “respite program”
    • The type of respite you’re looking for, like “in-home” or “adult day center”
  • Talk to trusted family members or friends in your area about providing occasional support to help you get a break. If they’re also caregivers, you can offer to do a “respite swap” so they can get a break, too! They may also be interested in becoming a trained respite care provider. 

3. Ask For Recommendations

You can also talk to trusted people in your circle of care for respite recommendations. Use these tips to help:

  • Talk to healthcare providers. Some may have a better understanding of what’s available locally than others. For example, your loved one’s doctor may be able to connect you with a social worker, nurse case manager, or community organization that can help you find services that meet your care recipient’s needs.
  • Ask your community. For example, support group members, friends who are caregivers, or school counselors may be able to make recommendations. 
  • Consider multiple options. Respite doesn’t have to come from one place. For example, a day center can provide respite while you run errands or engage in a hobby. A family member can take your loved one out for an activity while you take a nap. There are lots of respite care options you may never have considered before!

Remember, you can check if you have free access to Trualta to connect with our community of caregivers for more helpful tips. 

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