Senior Living Guide · Central Texas
Respite care
Temporary relief for family caregivers.
What this type of care includes
- Short stays in a community or nursing home
- In-home respite hours
- Adult day programs
How families pay for it
Varies
Medicare covers respite only for hospice patients, up to 5 days at a time. Otherwise private pay, Medicaid programs, or caregiver support grants.
For Texas families
The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area runs caregiver support and respite programs for Austin-area families.
Questions to ask
- What’s the minimum stay for respite?
- Is the daily rate different from a permanent resident’s?
- Can we schedule respite ahead of time?
Your next step
Book respite before you’re exhausted. Many communities need a few weeks’ notice.
Return to the Medicare and senior-care guide
This information comes from our senior-care guide. Coverage and eligibility vary; confirm your specific benefits with the care team and your plan.