Thank you for your question regarding respite care. Respite is one of the top three needs for caregivers in our country, the other two being information and access to services.

When we think of respite we need to think of two people — the caregiver and the care recipient — to determine what type of respite may be best. For example, depending upon the situation, certain types of respite may contribute to a caregiver's stress as they worry about how the care recipient is being cared for in their absence.

There are several types of respite to consider:

1) Family and friends — Sometimes a friendly visit by a family member or friend can provide a brief period of respite so a caregiver can get out to enjoy some time off or take care of personal needs.

2) Respite visitor programs — In Philadelphia there are several programs which provide visitors. One for residents of Philadelphia is the Time Out program at Temple University. More information can be found at:

Time Out or by calling 215-204-6540. There are also several volunteer visitor program such as those provided by an initiative called Faith In Action.  To learn if there is a program near you please go to:  Find a Local Program.

3) Area Agencies on Aging —Area Agencies on Aging are located in most counties across the country. Family Caregiver Support Programs are part of each Area Agency on Aging and may be able to offer services which can help provide respite. For example in Philadelphia the Area Agency on Aging is the Philadelphia Corporation on Aging. To learn more about the Family Caregiver Support Program at PCA you may go to:

4) Faith Communities — Faith communities in the region provide an array of health and social services to people living in our communities. If a caregiver is eligible, these services also may be helpful. Check with your local faith community or denomination offices in your area.

5) Home and Community Based Services — There are home health and personal care agencies throughout our region which offer a variety of services that may be helpful by providing in-home care which can provide respite.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides a list of licensed home care agencies at: Pennsylvania Department of Health.

You may also want to contact a local hospital or health system which can provide information on home health or personal care services available in your region. There are also companies which provide fee for service non-medical services which can be helpful to a family.

6) Adult Day Health or Care Services — Adult Day Health or Care services provide care during the day at a location which may be near the care recipient or caregivers home. Social service departments at the local long-term care provider, hospital or health system may be aware of what programs are available in your area.