Caregivers

Respite & Getting a Break

Respite is planned time when someone else provides some or all of the care so you can rest, work, attend an appointment, or simply leave the caregiving role for a while.

Start with the task, not the label

Ask what kind of break is needed: a shower, a night of sleep, transportation, a few hours away, backup during work, or a longer planned break. The safest option depends on the person’s mobility, communication, swallowing, breathing, supervision, and equipment needs.

Sources: Taking Care of Yourself: Tips for Caregivers · Caring and MND: Support for You

Possible respite pathways

  • Family members, friends, or neighbors who can take a clearly defined shift.
  • A trained personal-care aide or home-care worker.
  • A local caregiver-support or respite program.
  • Veterans Health Administration respite services when eligibility and availability are confirmed.
  • Adult day or community programs when medically and practically appropriate.
  • Palliative or hospice teams, when those services fit the person’s goals and eligibility.

Sources: National Family Caregiver Support Program · Respite Care · Caring and MND: Support for You

A respite handoff sheet

  • How the person communicates yes, no, pain, discomfort, and urgent needs.
  • Transfer, positioning, feeding, toileting, and respiratory-equipment instructions taught by the care team.
  • Medication and appointment information.
  • Emergency contacts and the clinic’s after-hours number.
  • What the person prefers and what should never be done without asking.

Sources: Caregiver Resources · Care Worker Module

Plan before the crisis

Programs may have waiting lists, geographic limits, eligibility rules, or costs. Ask early, ask more than one organization, and confirm what the worker is trained and permitted to do.

Sources: National Family Caregiver Support Program · Eldercare Locator · Respite Care

Sources & Further Reading

These source cards link directly to the original material. External websites open in a new tab.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Respite Care

VA information about respite options and the need to confirm current eligibility and availability.

Visit source

Caregiver information is educational and does not replace individualized instruction from the ALS team, a licensed clinician, an employer or benefits professional, or an emergency response system.

Caregiver information last reviewed: 09-30-2026

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