Types of Respite

There are three types of respite: self-guided, informal and formal

Self-guided respite includes:
Self-guided respite is the practice of building a self-focused activity into your normal day. An example of this could be waking up early or staying up later to engage in an activity that nurtures your spiritual, emotional or physical health. It could be as simple as taking a few moments to meditate or pray, take a walk, journal, or read a book.

Informal respite includes:
Informal respite is help from friends or loved ones. It can include direct assistance with caring for your Veteran or it could be assistance with other daily tasks. For example:
   • Your Veteran’s longtime friend might visit once or twice a week to talk or play games with them.
   • An adult family member might provide care for your Veteran while you attend your own medical appointment.
   • A neighbor might help you with grocery shopping, folding laundry, or mowing the lawn.

Formal respite care:
Formal respite care is short-term paid assistance from a professional. Formal respite care can be used to take a break, run errands, or take a vacation. How Formal Respite Care Works: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers caregivers two formal respite options through the Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC).
    • In-Home Respite: a Home Health agency employee comes to a Veteran’s home to provide care or a Veteran attends an adult day health care program within their community.
    • Nursing Home Respite: a Veteran goes to a VA Community Living Center or a community nursing home.