Respite care: finding help for seniors and supporting their caregivers
There are several milestones that most people plan for—birthdays, holidays, retirement, Social Security and the transition from saving to spending what you've accumulated. Caregiving rarely makes that list, even though for millions of Americans in their 50s and 60s, it becomes one of the most defining chapters in life. According to a 2025 report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, 63 million Americans—nearly one in four adults—are currently serving as family caregivers. This represents a 45% increase from just a decade ago.¹ For those who have not crossed this milestone yet, there is a reasonable chance you will.
One of the most valuable and underutilized services available to caregivers is respite care. Understanding what it is, how to access it and how to plan for it is worth knowing whether you are planning ahead or already caring for a loved one.
What is respite care?
Respite care is temporary, professional care provided to a loved one so that the primary caregiver can take a break. That break might last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, or even a few weeks—depending on what help you need and what's available in your area. This specialized care can take place in your home, at a senior day center or through a short-term stay at a residential care facility.
The concept is straightforward, but the reality is that many caregivers don't take advantage of it—or even know of its existence. The same AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving report found that while nearly 40% of caregivers believe respite care would be helpful to them, only 13% actually use it.1 The reasons vary: cost, not knowing where to start or guilt. The guilt can be one of the hardest hurdles to manage.
The physical and emotional realities of caregiving
The average family caregiver in the United States is 51 years old.1 This often has a direct impact on managing your career, your household and your own retirement planning. It can be a lot to manage.
The physical toll is real and often unexpected. The sleep disruption, added stress, delayed medical appointments and ongoing support for someone else’s daily needs can gradually affect your own health. One in 5 caregivers rates their own health as fair or poor, and nearly 1 in 4 says caregiving responsibilities make it difficult to take care of their own health and wellness needs.1
The emotional weight is equally significant. The grief and burnout that can come with watching a parent or spouse decline are increasingly common. It's important to take care of yourself when caring for others, and that often means asking for help or relying on outside resources.
The financial realities of caregiving
The financial impacts of caregiving are equally significant to the physical and emotional ones. Nearly half of all caregivers experience at least one major financial consequence as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. Things like taking on debt, stepping back from careers, reducing retirement savings contributions or sometimes struggling to afford basic needs.1
These costs often arrive due to reduced work hours or the need for a leave of absence. The out-of-pocket expenses for medications, home modifications or professional care services can add up faster than anticipated. For those of you in your 50s and 60s, it’s important to recognize and plan for these potential financial impacts. Being aware of the resources available to help seniors can improve your caregiving journey.
Where to find help for seniors
Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers provides 40 or more hours of care per week.1 At that level of commitment, finding outside support isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. The good news is that resources designed to find help for seniors and their caregivers are more widely available than many people realize.
A few reliable places to start:
- ARCH National Respite Locator is a free online tool that allows you to search for respite care programs in your area by zip code, making it a practical step for caregivers looking for local options.
- Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). The Eldercare Locator is a free public service that connects caregivers to these community-based respite programs, many of which are income-based.
- Medicare and Medicaid offer limited respite care coverage depending on your situation. Medicare may cover short-term respite care under the hospice benefit, while Medicaid coverage varies by state and may include broader options through waiver programs.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits may cover up to 30 days of respite care annually for eligible veterans, along with additional caregiver support programs.
- Nonprofit and community programs, including those funded through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, offer additional assistance and can be a reliable resource.
Caring for others without losing sight of yourself
Caring for someone you love is one of the most generous things you can do—and one of the most demanding. Asking for help isn't a sign that you love this person any less or feel they are too much of a burden. Asking for help allows you to provide better support.
Respite care is a practical and beneficial resource available to help seniors and the people who care for them. If you are navigating this chapter of life, speaking with a financial professional about how caregiving fits into your broader retirement plan is another step that can better support you and your loved one.