You Deserve a Break. Your Loved One Deserves Good Care.
Respite care that gives family caregivers time to rest, recharge, run errands, or get away for a few days, knowing their loved one has dependable support at home.
A caregiver from our office steps in to help with the routine you've been managing, whether you need a few hours to yourself or a few weeks away. You'll know who's coming, what needs to be done, and who to call if you have a question. You can step out, take a breath, or get away for a while without feeling like everything is resting on your shoulders. A Tuesday afternoon every week. A long weekend. Even the trip you've been putting off.
You don't have to wait until you're exhausted to ask for help, and you don't have to explain or justify why you need a break.
How much time can I take?
A few hours a week
Take time for errands, appointments, lunch with a friend, or simply an afternoon to yourself. Your caregiver helps maintain the familiar daily routine while you're away.
A weekend away
Spend a weekend with family, attend an event, or catch up on rest while a caregiver provides the scheduled support your loved one needs at home.
A longer break
Plan a vacation or an extended visit with family. We'll work with you to develop a schedule that covers your loved one's needs while you're gone.
What can a respite caregiver help with?
The caregiver follows the routine you've established and provides the non-medical support your loved one needs. Depending on the care plan, that may include:
- Preparing meals and sharing mealtime.
- Providing medication reminders within the caregiver's role.
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, and personal care.
- Doing laundry and light household tasks.
- Offering companionship, conversation, and activities.
- Helping with walking and everyday routines within the caregiver's training and the care plan.
Who will care for my loved one while I'm away?
Your loved one will be cared for by an Assured Assistance employee. Before services begin, our Client Relations Manager works with you to document the daily routine, personal preferences, care needs, and important details that help your loved one feel comfortable.
What time he gets up. How he takes his coffee. Which chair he prefers. Where medications are kept for reminders. What makes him anxious and what brings him joy.
For a longer trip, we'll work with you to plan the schedule and arrange coverage in advance. Our office is available around the clock if questions or concerns arise while you're away.
Our goal is for you to leave knowing that the routine has been explained, the care has been planned, and you have someone to call if you need us.
Our caregivers provide non-medical home care, not skilled nursing services. If your loved one has medical or care-coordination needs that require additional support, our Case Manager, Kristin Galle, RN, BSN, can help.
How do I know it's time for a break?
Caregiving often starts with a little extra help and gradually becomes a full-time responsibility. You may not realize how much you've taken on until you're exhausted, worried, or unable to find time for yourself.
Ask yourself:
- Am I constantly worrying about my loved one's safety?
- Have the things I need to do for myself been put off again and again?
- Is caregiving becoming overwhelming for me or my family?
- Would I feel comfortable leaving for a few hours if I knew someone dependable was there?
If these questions feel familiar, it may be time to talk about respite care.
Taking a break doesn't mean you're letting your loved one down. It means recognizing that you need support, too. With the right help, you can recharge and continue caring for someone who matters to you.
You Take Care of Everyone. Let Us Help Take Care of You.
Whether you need a few hours to yourself, a regular afternoon off, or time away with family, Assured Assistance can help you explore a respite schedule that works for your loved one and for you.
You can love someone deeply, be committed to their care, and still need a break.
"It was so reassuring to know that someone was with her during the night. ... Having the same caregiver all the time was so much more comforting for her."
The hours
- A few hours here and there or around-the-clock care, you choose exactly the help you need
- 24-hour care in shifts, never a live-in
- The same caregiver whenever we can
- Office staff on call 24 hours a day
How to pay
- Private pay
- Many long-term care insurance plans
- Veterans' benefits
- Invoiced every two weeks
- No Medicare, Medicaid, or waiver accepted
Questions families ask about family respite care
What if he can't be alone at night?
We can discuss around-the-clock care provided in shifts, including overnight coverage, based on your loved one's needs. Assured does not provide live-in care. We'll work with you to determine the appropriate schedule and staffing arrangements so you understand what coverage will look like before you leave.
Will anyone at the office ask what I did with the afternoon?
No. Your time is yours. Run errands, meet a friend, take a nap, or do absolutely nothing. You don't have to justify taking a break. Accepting help is not a sign of failure. It's part of making caregiving sustainable.
What if Medicare or Medicaid is what we have?
Assured Assistance does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, or waiver programs for our home care services. However, you may have other options. The Berks County Area Agency on Aging can help you explore caregiver support services and available resources. Call 610-478-6500 to ask about programs that may fit your situation.
Is respite the right choice if my mother has dementia?
Yes, respite care can give family caregivers a break while their loved one continues receiving support at home. When dementia is involved, familiarity, routine, and a caregiver's understanding of cognitive changes are especially important. We'll discuss your mother's needs and work to match her with an appropriately trained caregiver. You can also learn more on our Memory Care at Home page.
Read alongside
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Memory care at home
A parent with dementia, still at home. The same caregiver, the same routine, and the hours that worry you covered.
Read the page -
Elder care at home
The everyday things that got harder, on a standing visit a few mornings a week, in her own house.
Read the page -
Transition home care
The first days and weeks after a hospital or rehab stay, with the first shift set up before the discharge.
Read the page