How can I get a break (respite care)?

September 20, 2009 by admin

Respite care is covered by Medicare if the patient is getting Hospice care. More details are described in the CMS publication, "Medicare and Hospice Benefits: Getting Started." Otherwise, Medicare does not pay for respite care for the caregiver, but other help may be available. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for possible respite care sources in your area. AAAs were established under the Older Americans Act in 1973 to respond to the needs of Americans 60 and over in every local community. By providing a range of options that allow older adults to choose the home and community-based services and living arrangements that suit them best, AAAs make it possible for older adults to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible. The local AAAs can be located at the AAAs Members page.