Caring for a loved one is one of the most generous things you can do — and one of the most exhausting. Respite care gives family caregivers short-term, professional relief so you can rest, work, run errands, or simply breathe, knowing your loved one is in good hands.
You don’t have to wait until you’re completely burned out to ask for help. This guide covers what respite care is, the signs it’s time, your scheduling and payment options in Philadelphia, and how quickly it can start.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is short-term, in-home support that temporarily takes over for a family caregiver. A trained caregiver steps in for a few hours, an overnight, a weekend, or longer — providing the same personal and companion care your loved one already relies on, so you can step away with peace of mind. It’s flexible by design: you decide the schedule, and it can be a one-time break or a standing weekly arrangement.
Signs It’s Time for a Break
Caregiver burnout creeps up slowly. If several of these sound familiar, respite care isn’t a luxury — it’s overdue:
- You’re constantly exhausted, even after sleeping.
- You’ve let your own appointments, hobbies, or friendships slide.
- You feel irritable, anxious, or resentful more often than you’d like.
- You can’t remember the last time you had a day to yourself.
- Your own health is starting to slip.
What Respite Care Covers
During your break, the caregiver provides whatever level of support your loved one needs — full personal care, companionship, or both:
- Bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility help
- Meal preparation and medication reminders
- Companionship, conversation, and activities
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Safety supervision and fall prevention
Respite Options: Hours, Days, or Longer
Respite care flexes around your life, not the other way around:
- A few hours a week — a standing block of time for your own appointments, errands, or rest.
- Full days — coverage while you work or travel.
- Overnight and weekend — so you can sleep, recover, or take a short trip.
- Extended respite — longer stretches when you need real time to recharge or handle a family event.
If your loved one shouldn’t be alone at all, respite can extend to 24-hour and live-in care for the length of your break.
Paying for Respite Care in Philadelphia
- Medicaid (Community HealthChoices). CHC includes respite hours for family caregivers. We’re in-network with Keystone First and PA Health & Wellness, so approved participants’ authorized respite hours are covered.
- Private pay. The most flexible option — you set the schedule and can start right away. See our cost guide for what affects pricing.
- Long-term care insurance and VA benefits. Many policies and the VA Aid & Attendance benefit help cover respite care.
How to Get Started
- Free consultation. We learn your loved one’s needs and the kind of break you need — by phone or in your home, with no pressure.
- Custom respite plan. We match the schedule and level of care to your situation.
- Caregiver matching. Every caregiver passes FBI and state background checks, health screening, references, and an in-person interview.
- Your break begins — often within 24 to 48 hours for private pay families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is respite care?
Respite care is short-term, in-home support that temporarily takes over for a family caregiver — for a few hours, an overnight, a weekend, or longer — so you can rest, work, or take time for yourself while your loved one is cared for.
Does Medicaid cover respite care in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices program includes respite hours for family caregivers. Apple Home Care is in-network with Keystone First and PA Health & Wellness, so approved participants’ authorized respite hours are covered.
How much respite care can I get?
It’s flexible. You can book a few hours a week, full days, overnights, or longer stretches. If you’re using CHC, your Service Coordinator sets the authorized respite hours; with private pay, you choose the schedule.
How quickly can respite care start?
For private pay families, respite can usually begin within 24 to 48 hours of your free assessment. If you have CHC and authorized hours, we can start as soon as your plan clears us.
Can respite care become regular care later?
Absolutely. Many families start with a few respite hours and scale up as needs grow. We adjust the plan as your situation changes, all the way up to 24-hour or live-in care if needed.
Give Yourself a Real Break
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Call 215-730-1020 or email info@applehomecr.com for a free, no-pressure consultation, and we’ll help you build a respite plan that gives you the rest you’ve earned.