VA Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Support for those who care for our heroes

Caring for a loved one who served is an honor, but it can also be exhausting. The VA Respite Care Program provides temporary relief for family caregivers, ensuring Veterans continue receiving compassionate support while caregivers rest, travel or focus on personal needs.

At Care Plan Inc., we help families understand and access Respite Care through the VA and our private home care services, so caregivers can take time to recharge without worry.

Two older veteran men sitting on a park bench

Explore how VA Home Care Programs make it possible for veterans to receive high-quality care and assistance right where they feel most at home.

What Is the VA Respite Care Program?

Respite Care is a short-term home care service available to eligible Veterans through the VA’s Home and Community Based Services. It offers families a safe and reliable way to take a break from caregiving responsibilities while ensuring Veterans receive consistent care and attention.

Respite Care can be provided:

  • In the Veteran’s home by a qualified caregiver
  • At an adult day health care center
  • In a VA community living center or nursing home (for short stays)

The goal is to prevent caregiver burnout, support overall family wellbeing and allow Veterans to continue receiving care in familiar surroundings.

Two older gentleman high-fiving each other at home

Why Respite Care Matters

Caring for a Veteran is a full-time commitment, and even the most dedicated families need time to rest and recharge. Respite Care helps maintain a balance between quality caregiving and caregiver wellbeing.

When families take breaks, Veterans benefit too, because they receive care from refreshed and focused loved ones.

Respite Care helps:

  • Reduce caregiver stress and fatigue
  • Support mental and emotional health
  • Prevent unplanned hospitalizations or burnout
  • Ensure continuity of care while families take needed time off

Who Can Use Respite Care

Respite Care is available to Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care and need assistance with daily activities or supervision for safety.

It is especially valuable for:

  • Veterans receiving ongoing care from family members at home
  • Family caregivers who need a temporary rest or time away
  • Spouses or relatives caring for Veterans with mobility or memory concerns

To learn more about eligibility, families can contact their VA social worker or local VA Medical Center. Our team can help guide you through that process.

Our Role in VA and Private Respite Care

At Care Plan Inc., we provide trained caregivers who deliver in-home respite care tailored to each Veteran’s needs. Our services are nurse-led and available both through VA-authorized programs and private home care arrangements.

We help families by:

  • Coordinating respite services that align with VA care plans
  • Providing qualified caregivers experienced with Veteran care
  • Ensuring consistent communication with families and care teams
  • Offering private-pay respite care options for flexible scheduling

Our goal is to help caregivers take a break without feeling guilty, knowing their loved one is in safe hands.

Why Families in Michigan Choose Care Plan Inc.

Families across Southeast Michigan turn to Care Plan Inc. for trusted support, compassionate caregivers and practical guidance about VA home care programs.

We provide:

  • Nurse-led oversight for all in-home care services
  • Experienced caregivers who understand Veteran needs
  • Flexible scheduling that fits each family’s situation
  • Private and VA-supported respite care options
Granddaughter sitting with her grandparents

Get More Information About VA Respite Care

You do not have to figure it out on your own. Fill out the form below and we will send you our VA Respite Care Resource Packet with guidance, tips and information about home care options in Michigan.

You can also choose to join our VA Care Newsletter to receive monthly updates, caregiver resources and news about VA programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

VA Respite Care provides short-term relief for family caregivers by having trained aides care for veterans in their homes.
It allows caregivers to rest, travel, or take care of personal needs while ensuring the veteran continues receiving safe, professional care.

Respite care is typically authorized for a limited number of hours or days per year, depending on your needs and your caregiver’s situation.
The amount of time is determined by your VA primary care provider or social worker during the care planning process.

You may qualify if you are:

  • Enrolled in the VA Health Care System, and

  • Have a family caregiver who provides most of your daily assistance, and

  • Your VA care team determines that short-term relief would help maintain your health and well-being.

Eligibility is based on clinical need, not income.

You don’t need to fill out a separate application form.
Your VA primary care provider or social worker will complete an assessment and can submit an authorization for Respite Care services directly to a VA-approved provider such as Care Plan Inc.
If you’re not yet enrolled in VA Health Care, you’ll need to complete VA Form 10-10EZ.

The VA offers several types of respite care:

  • In-home care (the kind Care Plan Inc. provides)

  • Adult day health care centers

  • Short-term stays at VA Community Living Centers or contracted facilities
    Care Plan Inc. specializes in in-home respite care for veterans in Southeast Michigan.

In most cases, VA-funded respite care is provided at no cost to the veteran.
However, depending on your VA priority group or income level, there may be a small copay for some services.
Your VA social worker can confirm your cost status before care begins.

Yes. Veterans and their families can request respite services as needed throughout the year, as long as total hours remain within the VA-authorized amount.
Your care plan can be updated or renewed by your VA provider if your situation changes.

Care Plan Inc. is a VA-approved home care provider serving veterans in Southeast Michigan.
Once your VA provider authorizes services, we:

  • Coordinate directly with your VA team

  • Match you with a qualified, nurse-supervised caregiver

  • Provide updates and documentation to the VA as required

Important Notice: Care Plan Inc. is a VA-registered home care agency that provides services under VA-approved programs. While we partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs to coordinate care, we are an independent provider. Program eligibility, authorizations, and care hours are determined solely by the VA based on clinical assessments and federal guidelines.