Respite care services offer around-the-clock assistance during a short-term stay, which typically lasts more than 24 hours, but less than two weeks.

Caregivers often turn to respite care if they’re unable, for a short time, to provide the 24-hour supervision their loved one requires. Respite stays are also sometimes used as trial runs before making the decision to move to a care center full-time.

Respite care usually includes all the same services available to long-term residents at that location, such as 24-hour care, meals, social activities and housekeeping.