Caring for a spouse or other family member can consume your life, leaving little to no time for personal interests, social events, rest, or even travel. Caregiver respite programs understand the challenges and offer opportunities for renewal, from some quiet time to a far-away escape. Seniors Guide writer Taneia Surles explains.
Respite care provides temporary relief from the consuming duties of caregiving, giving you time to rest, work, travel, spend time with friends and family, or attend to personal matters while your loved one is cared for. Consider these caregiver respite programs to help you recharge.
Caregiver respite programs for travel
If you’d like to get away, but cost is a concern, several programs offer free or subsidized retreats, discounted stays, or grants for educational travel. Other respite care options can help you arrange temporary care for your loved one while you take a break.
Road Scholar: Educational travel grants for bona-fide getaways
Road Scholar’s Caregiver Grant offers a tuition grant of up to $2,000 for adults 50 or older who dedicate themselves as the primary caregiver for a loved one. The grant goes toward the cost of one of four of Road Scholar’s immersive learning adventures in the United States or Canada. It covers lodging, meals, field trips, and transportation during your trip.
Travel can help caregivers reconnect with their interests and rediscover parts of themselves outside their caregiving roles.
“The problem with caregiving is that it starts taking over your entire life,” said Theresa, a Caregiver Grant recipient. “I was astounded when I found out that Road Scholar gave grants. It’s like a big hug to know that people care and understand what we’re going through and that we need a break.”
During her trip, Theresa went hiking, visited the Getty Museum and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and enjoyed some good food.
Another recipient, Michael, had spent six years caring for his wife through a devastating disease. The Road Scholar grant gave him the chance to step back into the world, literally, as he joined a hiking group exploring the Adirondack Mountains. Ascending to a 4,095-foot summit, he found something he had been missing – camaraderie and the chance to see new horizons, while honoring the memory of his wife. “The trail became a metaphor of hope and fulfillment,” Michael said.
The Caregiver Grant requires applicants to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. The online application is open year-round, but it’s recommended that you apply at least three months before your selected program starts.
Other respite retreats, stays, and outings
Road Scholar is just one of many respite travel opportunities for caregivers. From retreats to special outings, caregivers have several ways to get out of the house, relax, and have a bit of fun.
Retreats for caregivers
Women Affirming Women offers a three-day weekend respite retreat in Ohio designed specifically for unpaid, full-time female caregivers who are financially disadvantaged, haven’t attended a previous retreat, and participate in its monthly Caregiver Connection Circle program. Caregivers can enjoy spa services, arts and crafts, quiet reflection, socializing, and yoga.
The next retreat is July 15 to 17, 2027, with registration opening up in January.
Discounted stays at inns and B&Bs
Want some R&R away from home that feels like a real vacation? A Mother’s Rest connects parents and family caregivers with participating inns and B&Bs offering affordable respite care. The nonprofit serves caregivers of loved ones with disabilities or chronic conditions, including people caring for aging parents at home.
Mother’s Rest operates two year-round respite inns: The Terrace Guest House & Respite Inn in New Market, Maryland, and Lawton Place Manor in Mount Airy, Georgia.
Local caregiver respite programs
Sometimes, local aging-services organizations offer special outings and events for caregivers. For example, in 2026, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia hosted a free caregiver respite event at Norfolk Botanical Garden and held a separate winter appreciation event the previous winter. Please note that if you decide to attend these events, you may have to arrange care for your loved one while you’re away.
Check with your local Area Agency on Aging or caregiver support organizations for similar opportunities near you.
Respite care benefits through Medicare and the VA
If your loved one receives Medicare and/or VA benefits, Medicare or the VA may cover respite care.
Medicare hospice respite programs
Seniors receiving Medicare-covered hospice care may be eligible for short-term inpatient respite care in a Medicare-approved facility for up to five consecutive days. This stay can temporarily relieve caregivers of their duties. The beneficiary can use respite care more than once, but only occasionally.
This benefit is for Medicare beneficiaries receiving hospice care, not all Medicare beneficiaries.
VA respite care
If your loved one receives hospice care or is an eligible veteran enrolled in Veterans Administration healthcare, respite services may help you arrange temporary care while you take a break. They can receive respite care through in-home assistance, adult day healthcare, or a temporary nursing-home stay at a VA Community Living Center or community nursing home.
If a caregiver is enrolled in the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, they may qualify for at least 30 days of respite care annually.
Contact the VA to confirm eligibility and available respite care services.
How to find respite opportunities
Here are some tips for finding respite care opportunities for caregivers:
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or an aging-services organization for assistance.
- Ask a hospice provider about Medicare hospice respite eligibility, if applicable.
- Reach out to the Veterans Administration, if the person receiving care is an eligible veteran.
- Review program websites for application deadlines, eligibility requirements, costs, and availability.
Before traveling, arrange appropriate care for your loved one so you can take a break without worrying about whether their needs are being met. You deserve to rest without stressing out about what’s happening at home.
Respite can take different forms, from a few nights at a B&B to an educational trip or temporary care for your loved one. It’s a chance to step away from your caregiving duties, prioritize your needs, and still ensure your loved one is cared for. Explore options for caregiver respite programs that fit your needs, budget, and caregiving responsibilities. Taking time to rest and reconnect with your interests is an important part of caring for yourself.
Adult Day Centers: Opportunities for Caregiver and Loved One
