VA medical centers can give the veteran’s care-giver (family member or friend) a “break” by taking over the veteran’s care for a limited time: VA medical centers may provide respite care to an eligible veteran for up to 30 days in a calendar year. Families and patients who are in need of respite care in excess of 30 days because of unforeseen difficulties, such as the unexpected death of the caregiver, may receive additional days of care with the approval of the medical center director. Respite Care may be provided at the VA medical center, in a community setting or in the veteran’s home.

General Program Requirements

Respite care is part of the Medical Benefits Package.

Respite is a covered benefit for all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system or are eligible for VA health care without the need to enroll for such care.

To see Respite information on VHA’s Geriatrics & Extended Care website, visit:
http://www.va.gov/geriatricsshg.

For information on enrollment, please visit:
http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility.

Please visit the Basic Medical Benefits Package for Veterans program for more information.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information

For more information, please visit: http://www.va.gov/geriatricsshg
You may e-mail us at:

Seniors@mail.va.gov
You can call the Health Benefits Service Center at this toll-free number: 1-877-222-8387