If you're caring for an aging parent, a spouse, or a loved one with a disability, you carry a lot. Respite care gives you short-term relief — a few hours or a few days — so you can rest, work, or simply catch your breath, while your loved one is safely cared for.
Texas Health Help is a community nonprofit. We don't provide direct care, but we share clear information and help caregivers across rural and underserved Texas connect to trusted respite programs — for free.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is temporary, short-term care that gives a family caregiver a planned break. It can take a few different forms:
- In-home respite — a trained worker or volunteer comes to your home
- Adult day centers — daytime care, meals, and activities at a center
- Short-stay respite — a few overnight days at a care facility
- Emergency respite — quick coverage when something unexpected happens
Why Respite Care Matters
Caregiver burnout is real. Taking regular breaks isn't selfish — it helps you stay healthy so you can keep caring for the person who depends on you. Respite care can:
- Reduce caregiver stress, exhaustion, and isolation
- Protect your own physical and mental health
- Give your loved one social time and new faces
- Help you keep working or handle appointments and errands
Who May Qualify?
Respite programs are designed for caregivers of:
- Older adults age 60 and over
- People living with Alzheimer's, dementia, or memory loss
- Adults or children with a disability
- Loved ones with a chronic or serious illness
- Family members in rural areas with few local options
Not sure if you qualify? We'll help you sort through the options for free.
How to Find Respite Care in Texas
- 1
Decide what kind of break you need
A few hours a week? A full day? An occasional overnight? Knowing this helps match you to the right type of respite.
- 2
Contact your Area Agency on Aging
Every part of Texas is served by an AAA that coordinates caregiver and respite support. Call 1-800-252-9240 to reach yours.
- 3
Call 2-1-1 for local programs
Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to adult day centers, in-home help, and respite services near you.
- 4
Ask about Medicaid and grant-funded respite
Texas Medicaid waivers and the National Family Caregiver Support Program may cover respite for those who qualify.
- 5
Let us help if it feels overwhelming
Our community navigators can walk through your options with you — free and confidential.
What to Have Ready
It can help to gather:
- Your loved one's photo ID and date of birth
- Medicare and/or Medicaid card numbers
- A list of current medications and conditions
- Notes on daily needs and routines
- Proof of income (if applying for cost help)
- Emergency and physician contact details
Helpful Texas Resources
Need a break? We can help you find respite.
Whether you need a few hours or a few days, our community navigators help Texas caregivers find trusted respite programs — at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is respite care?+
Respite care is short-term relief for family caregivers. A trained worker, volunteer, or care facility looks after your loved one for a few hours, a day, or a few days so you can rest, work, or take care of yourself.
Who can get respite care in Texas?+
Families caring for an older adult, a person with a disability, or someone with a chronic or memory-related illness may qualify. Programs are available through Area Agencies on Aging, Medicaid waivers, and local nonprofits across Texas.
How much does respite care cost?+
Costs vary. Some respite is free or low-cost through grant-funded caregiver programs and the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Medicaid waivers may cover it for those who qualify. Private pay is also an option, often charged by the hour or day.
What types of respite care are available?+
In-home respite (a worker comes to you), adult day centers, and short-stay respite at a facility. The right choice depends on your loved one's needs and how much of a break you need.
Does Medicaid pay for respite care in Texas?+
It can. Several Texas Medicaid waiver programs (such as STAR+PLUS and community-based services) include respite as a benefit for eligible members. A benefits counselor or your Area Agency on Aging can check what applies to you.
Does Texas Health Help provide respite care directly?+
No. We are a community nonprofit that helps caregivers understand their options and connect to trusted respite programs. We don't provide direct care or approve benefits, but our navigation help is always free.
Caring for an older loved one? Read our guide to senior support in Texas for help with meals, Medicare, and benefits.
Disclaimer: Texas Health Help (Community Health Access Hub Texas) is a community nonprofit, not a government agency or care provider. We do not determine eligibility or approve benefits. Only the State of Texas, Medicaid, and program administrators can make those decisions. This page is general educational information.
Looking for more help? Browse all Texas Health Help resources.