In this blog, we are exploring what respite care is and how it can dramatically help families cope with caregiving with family members and help the longevity and well-being of families.
What is ‘respite’ care?
The National Institute on Aging defines respite care as providing short-term relief for primary caregivers, giving them time to rest, travel, or spend time with other family and friends. The care may last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks at a time. Respite care can take place at home, in a health care facility, or at an adult day care center.
The reason why respite care is so important is that many of us family caregivers spend a lot of time taking care of an aging parent or family member. The time taken to care for a family member has been recently estimated by the AARP, and it is not a surprise that it takes a toll on the generous family members around us who are shouldering this responsibility
Family caregivers contribute so much
A recent study from AARP, “Valuing the Invaluable 2026”, confirmed what families already know. Millions of family caregivers help an adult family member, neighbor, or friend with daily activities during the year, most of them providing care monthly. The survey estimated the hours provided as well as the economic value. In our state of Utah, the numbers were estimated for 2025 at 600,000 family caregivers providing 490,000 hours for a value of almost $10 million. Truly, this is what caring for one another looks like, and these numbers should be celebrated as a feat of human connectedness and kindness.
The report went on, noting the increasing complexity of family caregiving, notably:
- Most (57 percent) family caregivers of adults perform high-intensity caregiving, defined by the tasks they perform and the hours they devote to caregiving.
- More than half (55 percent) perform medical/nursing tasks that are typically handled by health care professionals.
- Family caregivers spend, on average, 27 hours per week on caregiving
Who are these selfless caregivers?
The average caregiver is often a woman in her late 40s to 60s. About 61% of caregivers are women, and 39% are men. Notably, nearly one in three family caregivers is under the age of 50.
Caregivers are typically spouses caring for partners, adult children assisting aging parents, or siblings supporting one another.
Behind these numbers, or maybe hidden in plain sight, is the additional work, often heroic, that these family caregivers do.
Respite for family caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s
Some illnesses are particularly heavy on the loved one and for their caregivers. Click here to read the Respite Guide from the Alzheimer’s Association.
Does this take a toll on family caregivers? What are the hidden risks to caregiving?
Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, evidence suggests that family caregivers of older adults are at risk compared to non-caregivers; they have higher rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and emotional difficulties. They also have lower self-ratings of physical health, elevated levels of stress hormones, higher rates of chronic disease, and impaired health behaviors.
It is no wonder that extraordinary responsibilities lead to caregiver burnout.
Spousal caregiving: “in sickness and in health”
In some cases, the weight of the additional caregiving responsibility is so heavy that the healthy spouse ends up being sick as well.
It seems horrifying that the most caring people would bear a high cost for their generosity.
Is there a way to mitigate this issue and give support to our families so that they thrive in the face of illness, aging, and hardships?
Medicare GUIDE – respite care for families with a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s by providing 72 hours of free respite care to family caregivers.
We are going on vacation. Who’s going to check on Mom?
You’ve been checking in on mom and dad every day for the last few years. But you have a trip planned, and no other sibling or family member to help. This is a perfect opportunity for temporary respite care.
An ounce of respite care is worth a pound of cure
It is easy to understand that respite care is the proverbial prevention that Benjamin Franklin had in mind when he wrote his famous proverb.
Respite care is designed to give family caregivers a break when they need it most. In the cases of spousal caregiving, when both spouses are in their 80s and sometimes 90s, it is a critical aspect of staying healthy and avoiding a fall or a stroke.
A few hours of well-timed respite care can change a family dynamic and help keep the family caregiver and their family healthy.
Where can I find respite care?
At Assisting Hands, we understand the importance of giving family caregivers a break. We also understand how family budgets can be tight. This is why we provide the flexibility of the hours and time of day that works for you when it is most needed.
What are the different types of respite care services available?
Respite care can be provided in-home or out-of-home. Out-of-home respite services could be provided in an adult day care, or a memory care that accepts short-term stays, for example. Assisting Hands specializes in in-home care respite services, where our caregivers come to the home and take over the family caregiver’s duties for a couple of hours or for far longer.
What is the minimum stay for respite care?
Assisting Hands does not impose a minimum number of hours for respite care, because we understand that respite comes in all types of needs. Further, we are very flexible: you need 3 hours on Tuesday afternoon but only 2 hours on Friday evening? We got you. Call us to discuss your needs, and we’ll work together to meet them.
How much is respite care per day?
Respite care costs are similar to traditional home care and personal care costs. They are typically expressed per hour. We understand that respite care can quickly become a burden for families, so we pride ourselves on having reasonable rates while maintaining high levels of quality. Call us to inquire about our rate.
What are signs a caregiver needs respite?
Caregiver burnout is the ultimate label for what we want you to avoid. Chronic fatigue. Irritability and lack of compassion. Lack of interest in previously loved hobbies. If you notice that you have been caring for someone and it is affecting you in negative ways, you may be giving too much. This is where respite care shines. Bringing a few hours of rest to overburdened caregivers so that they can recharge their personal battery.
Can I get emergency respite care services quickly?
Yes, you can. Assisting Hands hires high-quality caregivers to meet your needs, even if they are on short notice.
Find the Right Respite Care Services in Murray, UT
Family caregiving is one of the most selfless things a person can do, but even the most dedicated caregiver needs rest to keep going. Whether you need a few hours of relief each week or temporary coverage while you travel, Assisting Hands is here to step in so you can step back — without guilt, and without worry. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we help families like yours. You can receive support by following these simple steps:
- Reach out for a free consultation.
- Meet with a member of our caring team
- Start finding the support you and your family deserve!
Other Services Offered with Assisting Hands Home Care
Assisting Hands Home Care in Greater Murray, we offer other forms of support in addition to respite care services. We also provide a full range of professional, compassionate in-home care services designed to help seniors live with greater comfort, safety, and peace of mind in the place they call home.
Services we offer include Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, Parkinson’s Home Care, Stroke Recovery Home Care, and Orthopedic Home Care Services. We also provide Personal Care & Grooming, Meal Preparation, Light Housekeeping, and Grocery Shopping & Errands to support the day-to-day needs of seniors aging in place.
We also offer Transitional Care, Hospice Support Services, and Coordination of Care services to provide support. We also proudly serve Veterans through our Veterans Aid & Assistance program, and offer Companionship and Fall Prevention services. Whatever your family’s needs look like, Assisting Hands is here to help. Explore our full list of services or contact us today for more helpful information!
