Professional Insights on Respite Care Services for Families
As the owner of inHom, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside so many families in the South Metro—Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, and beyond—who are doing everything they can to support their loved ones. I know firsthand how heavy that responsibility can feel. You want to be there for your parent, spouse, or child, but some days it feels like there’s nothing left in the tank.
That’s why respite care services matter so much. It’s not about stepping away from your role—it’s about stepping into it with strength, support, and sustainability. This article is my way of helping you better understand what respite care is, how it works, and how inHom might be able to support your journey.
If you’d prefer to talk this through directly, we’d love to connect. Schedule a discovery call with us.
What Is Respite Care—and Why Is It So Vital?
Respite care is simply short-term, temporary care provided to someone so that their primary caregiver can take a break. Whether that break is for a few hours to run errands or a weekend to recharge, these services can make a huge difference.
According to the National Institute on Aging, taking regular breaks actually improves emotional well-being and leads to better care outcomes.
For families navigating the stress of caregiving—especially for those dealing with dementia, disabilities, or chronic illness—respite isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
The Family Caregiver Alliance also offers valuable resources for understanding how respite can be implemented into your current caregiving plan.
What Respite Care Looks Like with inHom
We believe that respite care should fit your life, not the other way around. That’s why we offer a few different approaches:
In-Home Respite: A trusted caregiver from our team comes into your home to care for your loved one while you get some much-needed rest. This is ideal if you're in Eagan, Savage, or anywhere south of the river and want to keep things familiar.
Daytime Support: For families managing jobs or other obligations, we can offer care during specific hours, helping maintain your loved one’s routine while you manage yours.
Overnight or Weekend Coverage: Perfect for families who need extended time off or are planning a trip.
If you’re unsure which option is right for your situation, reach out for a free assessment.
Why Respite Care Changes Everything
We’ve seen again and again how even a short break can:
Lower caregiver stress and avoid burnout
Improve the emotional bond between caregivers and loved ones
Allow families to get other areas of life back in balance
A great resource that explores this dynamic further is Caregiver Action Network, which supports millions of caregivers nationwide.
One client recently told us that after taking just one weekend away, she was able to return to caregiving with renewed energy—and more importantly, with joy. That’s what we want for every family.
Who Qualifies for Respite Care?
If you’re caring for someone full-time—whether it's a parent with dementia, a spouse recovering from surgery, or a child with complex needs—you likely qualify for some form of respite care.
You may be eligible for programs through:
VA benefits (up to 30 days per year)
Sliding scale programs based on income
At inHom, we specialize in helping families in Dakota, Scott, and Carver counties understand what resources are available. We can walk you through it. Let’s talk.
How to Choose the Right Care for Your Family
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some families prefer care in the home. Others find that adult day centers offer the structure and social interaction their loved ones need.
If you’re exploring options, here are a few questions I often recommend families ask:
Will my loved one feel more comfortable at home or in a group setting?
What type of experience and training does the caregiver have?
How are medications and emergencies handled?
And most importantly—do I feel a sense of trust with this provider?
The ARCH National Respite Network also has a helpful locator tool to help compare services in your area.
We answer those questions every day at inHom, and we’d be honored to help you answer them too.
What Does It Cost?
Respite care pricing varies depending on location, duration, and level of support. On average:
In-home care ranges from $25–$45 per hour
Adult day care ranges from $70–$150 per day
We know cost can be a concern. That’s why our team is trained to help you identify potential funding sources—from Medicaid to VA benefits to local grants. AARP's caregiver resources offer more details on national financial support options.
If budget’s holding you back, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation.
Common Misconceptions
Let me be clear: asking for help doesn’t mean you’ve failed your loved one. In fact, it means you’re deeply committed to their long-term well-being.
Another myth I hear a lot is, “Respite care is only for extreme situations.” Not true. We work with families caring for loved ones at all stages of need—from daily support to once-in-a-while breaks.
Personalizing the Experience
At inHom, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter care. We get to know your loved one’s routines, likes and dislikes, and personality. Do they enjoy gardening? Watching sports? Listening to oldies? That becomes part of the care plan.
We involve family members in creating that plan, and we’re constantly checking in to adjust it as things change. This kind of care isn’t just good for your loved one—it’s good for your whole family.
Advocacy and Support
Caregivers often feel isolated. You don’t have to walk this path alone.
We actively partner with other care providers and support groups in the South Metro to make sure our families have access to:
Peer support communities
Ongoing education
Advocacy for caregiver rights and mental health
Organizations like ARCH, Family Caregiver Alliance, and AARP are doing great work in this space—and so are the caregivers right here in our own community.
Looking Forward
The future of respite care is hopeful. We’re seeing:
More tech like smart medication reminders
Policy changes expanding eligibility
Greater awareness of caregiver needs
inHom is committed to staying at the forefront of this growth, because we know how vital it is for Minnesota families.
Let’s Talk
You deserve to be more than “just getting through the day.” You deserve time to rest, recover, and remember why you chose to care in the first place.
If you’re ready to explore respite care, or even just wondering where to start, schedule a no-pressure discovery call. We’re here to help you find peace of mind and renewed strength for the road ahead.
