Taking care of a loved one who is sick or disabled can be a 24/7 job. It's important to take a break from time to time to take care of your own needs, and that's where respite care comes in. Respite care is a special name for short-term rest for caregivers, and it can be provided in a hospital or other facility. The cost of respite care depends on the type of agency, the services you use, and the time you need them.
Medicare only covers respite care as part of the hospice benefit, and palliative care is usually covered for people with a life expectancy of six months or less. However, long-term care insurance generally does not cover respite care. When considering respite care, make sure that any service, program, or facility is licensed in your state and has insurance in the event of an accident. If you're caring for more than one person, such as both parents, check to see if certain care programs can provide care for multiple people. It's also important to talk frankly with your loved one and the rest of your family about why you need temporary care and what you're planning. Long-term care insurance typically covers a wide range of care in your home or at a specialty facility.
It's important to understand the respite care benefits offered by your long-term care policy so that you can make an informed decision about the best way to provide temporary relief for yourself and your loved one.
