Understanding the difference between respite care and adult day care will help you piece together the support you need and deserve as a caregiver. It is possible to use adult day care and additional respite services when you need time away from the stress of day-to-day caregiving. Let’s review respite care and adult day care so you can maximize these valuable resources.
What is adult day care?
Adult day care centers are community-based programs for older and disabled adults who need care, supervision, and stimulation. There are two main types: social adult day care and adult day health care. Between the two, you can expect an array of support and services, such as:
- Social and recreational activities like exercise classes, games, crafts, and music.
- Health monitoring, including checking of vital signs, physical and occupational therapy, and nursing care.
- Meals and snacks.
- Personal care assistance, such as help with hygiene, mobility, and transfers.
Adult day care centers can be found in senior centers, faith-based settings, hospitals, schools, or stand-alone facilities.
Who can benefit from adult day care?
A range of people can benefit from adult day care, including:
- People with dementia or another type of cognitive impairment.
- People requiring supervision and assistance due to physical or medical problems that interfere with daily functioning.
- Older adults who are lonely at home and would enjoy interaction with peers.
- People who are recovering from an accident or illness and need time-limited support.
- Caregivers who are stressed or need time away from a loved one to attend to personal, career, or health tasks and responsibilities.
How long can someone stay in adult day care?
Most centers are open from 9 to 5, and some have weekend and evening hours. There is no limit to how long someone can attend. As long as the setting is appropriate for their needs and they can benefit from the program, they can attend for as long as they need.
Some people may qualify for discounted or free participation based on income and other eligibility requirements, but many must pay for adult day care. A person’s ability to pay for the care may dictate how often they can attend.
Adult day care scenarios
Examples of situations in which someone would benefit from adult day care include the following:
- The older adult has dementia and requires stimulation and structure during the day.
- They have declined physically and could benefit from assistance and health monitoring.
- They are isolated at home and need social interaction.
- They are recovering from a stroke or coping with chronic medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, or MS.
What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary relief to the primary caregiver and offers assistance, stimulation, and socialization to older adults who need it. In respite care, professional caregivers take over the family member’s caregiving responsibilities while they tend to personal needs or simply take a break to recharge. Note that adult day care can serve as a type of respite care, but there are other types and settings for this kind of care.
Where does respite care take place?
Respite care services can take place in various settings, including:
- Home: Respite care services at home take the form of personal care services provided by an agency or online company. There will be a cost for this type of care unless respite caregiving is covered by Medicaid, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, or a nonprofit organization.
- Adult day care: As mentioned above, these centers can provide respite care for individuals who need assistance and supervision during daytime hours.
- Assisted living: Assisted living communities often offer 10-day, two-week, or longer respite stays in fully furnished rooms. Respite care individuals can receive all the services and amenities available to assisted living residents, including some assistance with activities of daily living, meals, activities, and more.
- Nursing homes: Nursing home respite care is typically reserved for people with extensive physical and medical problems who require 24/7 care and services.
What type of care does respite provide?
Depending on the service and setting, respite care can be limited to personal care assistance or offer more significant support. Respite care can provide:
- Assistance with bathing, dressing, cooking, eating, transportation, and socialization.
- Nursing care, including medication management.
- Physical and occupational therapies.
- Social and recreational activities.
Who can benefit from respite care?
Families often opt to care for their loved ones in need of assistance. Though not exhaustive, this list covers typical conditions older adults may have for which family members provide care:
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Chronic medical conditions.
- Surgery or illness recovery.
- Physical age-related decline in functioning.
Caring for family members with extensive needs can be challenging. Caregivers who need a break to rejuvenate or attend to personal, family, or business responsibilities may find respite care services beneficial. The older adult benefits by receiving professional care and may enjoy a change in scenery, meeting new people, or attending activities.
How long do people stay in respite care?
Some respite care settings, such as assisted living or nursing homes, are time-limited based on the facility’s offerings. However, personal care agencies and adult day care centers can offer respite care for as long as you need and can afford.
How do costs compare between adult day care and respite care?
Comparing costs between adult day care and respite care depends on several factors:
- Adult day care costs depend on where you live and how many days your loved one attends. However, the national median cost for adult day health care is projected to be $101 per day in 2025. Depending on where you live and the center itself, you could pay more or less.
- The national median cost of assisted living in 2025 is projected to be $187 per day, and nursing home care is projected to cost $302 daily. Those costs will vary depending on needs, facility, and geographic location.
- In 2025, homemaker services through a personal care agency are projected to cost $31.83 per hour. Home care costs can add up if you need several hours a day or overnight care.
Some individuals pay out of pocket. They may also have coverage under long-term care insurance or VA benefits, depending on eligibility. Some states offer respite care coverage under Medicaid. In some cases, if an individual is on hospice, Medicare will pay for time-limited respite care in an inpatient hospice facility, hospital, or skilled nursing facility.
How to choose between adult day care and respite care
Adult day care is a form of respite care, so while you and your loved one can reap the benefits of both options, deciding on the type of care comes down to your family’s preferences and circumstances. Ask yourself these questions when choosing between adult day care and respite care:
- What level of care does my loved one require?
- Does my loved one need significant medical attention?
- Does my loved one have dementia that requires specialized training to manage?
- Will my loved one benefit from social and recreational activities?
- What setting would my loved one be most likely to adapt to?
- Is cost a factor?
You may also want to try both if feasible. Participating in adult day care for a few hours a week could help your loved one get out of the house and interact with others, and hiring respite services could bring help into the home at other times.
Adult day care and respite care for you and your loved one
Entrusting an outside caregiver with the care of your loved one even temporarily may be emotionally difficult, but the benefits will likely outweigh any challenges. Explore your community’s adult day care and respite care services to find safe care options for your loved one.
