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Understanding the Cost of Respite Care & Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in San Antonio
Revised November 2026 with 2025 Cost of Care Survey figures for the San Antonio area and our current rates.
Caring for a loved one is an incredible act of devotion, but it can also take a toll on you emotionally, physically, and financially. Many family caregivers hesitate to seek respite care because they worry about the cost, but the truth is there are affordable options available, especially for in-home respite care.
In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of respite care, why in-home care is often a good value, and financial assistance options to help families in San Antonio and surrounding areas afford the care they need.
The Cost of Respite Care: Why In-Home Care Is Often a Good Value
Respite care costs vary depending on the type of care, the level of assistance needed, and the location. The good news? In-home respite care is flexible, and a few hours of help at home often costs less than a short stay in a facility.
1. Cost of Different Respite Care Options
Here’s a breakdown of common respite care services and their estimated costs in San Antonio and nearby areas:
| Type of Respite Care | Estimated Cost (Per Hour/Day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Respite Care (our agency) | Our rates: about $40 an hour for a 2-hour visit, about $34 an hour for 3 to 4 hours, and about $31 an hour for 5 hours or more | Flexible: from a 2-hour visit up to full days. The 2025 San Antonio area median for agency care was $30 an hour. We confirm your exact rate at a free in-home consultation. |
| Adult Day Care Centers | About $90 per day (2025 San Antonio area median) | Costs vary depending on the level of medical supervision provided. |
| Residential/Facility-Based Respite Care | About $193 to $270 per day (2025 San Antonio area medians for long-term stays) | Short-term stays in assisted living or nursing homes. Ask each facility for its respite rate. |
| Overnight and 24-Hour Respite Care at Home | From $31 an hour | For caregivers who need a longer break. We offer overnight care (from $31 an hour on weeknights and $32 an hour on weekend nights) and 24-hour care in caregiver shifts (from $31 an hour). Call (210) 405-4059 for an exact quote. |
Area medians: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey, San Antonio-New Braunfels area. Our rates are current as of November 2026.
- Hiring a private caregiver directly may cost less per hour. Agencies usually cost more because of the extra insurance and screening they carry. For example, at Assisting Hands, our agency is licensed by the State of Texas, and our caregivers pass background checks, are trained in CPR and first aid, and are bonded and insured. Nancy Wilch, MSN, RN, our co-owner, has more than 30 years of nursing experience and has taught nursing students in their clinicals. She builds and reviews each client’s care plan and trains our caregivers. Our care is non-medical.
2. Why In-Home Respite Care Is Worth Considering
For many families, in-home respite care balances affordability, quality, and flexibility.
You Only Pay for the Care You Need: Whether you need a few hours a week or full-day support, in-home care allows you to customize care to fit your budget.
No Facility Fees: With in-home care, your loved one stays in their own home, so there are no room or facility charges.
One-on-One Personalized Care: Unlike adult day care or group settings, in-home care provides dedicated attention to your loved one.
Less Stress for Your Loved One: Seniors don’t have to adjust to an unfamiliar setting, reducing confusion and anxiety.
Financial Assistance for Respite Care
Many families worry about how to afford respite care, but there are financial assistance programs that can help. Whether through government programs, veterans benefits, or community resources, there are options to make in-home respite care more accessible.
Does Medicare Cover Respite Care?
Medicare Part A may cover short-term respite care for individuals receiving hospice care.
Medicare does not cover ongoing, routine in-home respite care.
One exception: for people with Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage) and a dementia diagnosis, the Medicare GUIDE program can pay for some respite care each year. Our agency is an approved respite provider for the GUIDE program through PocketRN, and we can help with the paperwork.
Another option: Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) offer respite care benefits. Call your plan to check what it covers.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Many long-term care insurance policies cover in-home respite care as part of their benefits.
Check your policy for coverage on home care services, personal care, and respite care.
Some policies have daily, weekly, or monthly benefit limits, so make sure you understand the terms.
How to Check: Call your insurance company and ask what the policy pays for care at home, whether there is a waiting period (often called an elimination period) before benefits start, and what forms it needs. We can help your family understand the policy and the paperwork.
Medicaid & Texas STAR+PLUS Waiver Program
For families in San Antonio and Texas, Medicaid may help cover some in-home respite care costs.
The Texas STAR+PLUS Waiver Program is designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities who need long-term care services, including in-home care.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers may help cover respite care for eligible individuals.
How to Apply: Contact Texas Medicaid at 1-800-252-8263 or visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
Please note: Our agency is private pay and does not accept Medicaid or STAR+PLUS.
Veterans Benefits for Respite Care
If your loved one is a veteran, the VA Aid & Attendance Program or Veteran-Directed Care Program may provide financial support for in-home respite care.
The VA Respite Care Program can pay for help in the Veteran’s home, at an adult day center, or in a nursing home, so the family caregiver can take a break.
Who Qualifies? Veterans enrolled in VA health care who meet the VA’s clinical criteria. Services vary by location, and a copay may apply.
How to Apply: Visit the South Texas Veterans Health Care System or call 1-877-469-5300.
We are not a VA provider, we do not bill the VA, and we do not accept VA Community Care. VA respite is arranged through the VA. We can help your family understand the Aid and Attendance application, and families can start private-pay care while a VA decision is pending.
Local & Nonprofit Resources in San Antonio
Several local and nonprofit organizations offer respite care grants and assistance for families caring for seniors.
Alamo Area Agency on Aging: Provides caregiver support services, including respite care funding.
Call: 1-866-231-4922
The WellMed Charitable Foundation: Offers free caregiver support programs, such as caregiver coaching and phone support sessions, for family caregivers in Texas.
Visit: wellmedcharitablefoundation.org
United Way of San Antonio: May provide caregiver support programs and funding for respite care.
Call 211 for more information
Making Respite Care Affordable: Tips for Managing Costs
Plan Ahead: Even if you’re not ready for respite care now, explore options early and check for financial assistance eligibility.
Use a Combination of Services: Mix and match in-home care with community-based programs to manage costs.
Ask for a Care Plan That Fits Your Budget: A professional home care agency (like Assisting Hands Home Care) can help you create a flexible, cost-effective care plan.
Conclusion: Respite Care is More Affordable Than You Think
Respite care is a necessary support system for caregivers and seniors alike. While costs vary, in-home respite care offers flexibility and one-on-one attention at home.
If you’re in San Antonio, Boerne, New Braunfels, Seguin, or surrounding areas, and need affordable, reliable in-home respite care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
Contact us today: call (210) 405-4059 or use the chat on this page for a free in-home consultation about respite care for your family. You don’t have to do this alone.
For a list of all our services, please review our brochure: Our Brochure
A Place for Mom provides further details for Respite care here: Elderly Respite Care: Purpose, How to Find, and How to Pay
