How to Get Respite Care in Florida as a Family Caregiver
Respite can come through several programs; the local ADRC is the cleanest place to screen across them.
Start here
Call the Elder Helpline at 800-963-5337 and ask the local ADRC to screen for respite through caregiver-support programs, RELIEF, Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, and other county services.
What to have in front of you
- Care recipient’s age, diagnosis, and county
- Supervision and hands-on help needed
- Caregiver schedule and requested respite times
- Unsafe behaviors, wandering, falls, or nighttime needs
- Current services and insurance
What to say when someone answers
“I provide unpaid care and need respite. Please screen us across every county and state respite program, including options for dementia, evenings, weekends, and emergencies.”
Small but useful: Write down the person’s name, the date, the exact next step, and when you should call again.
Do this in order
- 1
Ask for a broad ADRC caregiver screening.
- 2
Explain functional and supervision needs, not diagnosis alone.
- 3
Ask whether the option is in-home, adult day, facility respite, volunteer, or paid.
- 4
Record the provider, assessment, cost, waitlist, and follow-up date.
What happens next
The ADRC may refer to one or more programs. Availability depends on eligibility, assessed need, local providers, and funding.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
Ask about caregiver training, support groups, adult day care, volunteer respite, Medicaid LTC screening, and how to update the assessment after caregiver burnout or hospitalization.
Official sources
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs — caregiver support
- Florida Aging and Disability Resource Centers
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs — programs and services
Checked August 23, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.