Respite Care

Respite care is short-term, temporary relief from caring for a family member who is sick, aging or disabled. When you care for someone with any of these conditions, it is often a 24-hour commitment. Respite care offers primary caretakers time away from the daily demands of caretaking to simply relax, go to appointments or take a vacation.

How Long Can Someone Stay in Respite Care?

An individual can stay in respite care at Ridgeview from one to five days. Any additional time will be reviewed and agreed upon with a Nurse Case Manager prior to being admitted to the hospital.

How Do I Pay for Respite Care?

Respite care is not covered by Medicare or other medical insurance programs, although Minnesota offers seniors and their families support to help individuals remain in their homes. We encourage to you contact your local public health office to request information about waiver programs that may defray the cost of respite care.

If you are not eligible for a county waiver, you will be billed directly for respite care services.

Covered Services:

• 24-hour nursing care
• Linen service
• Daily meals
• Use of hospital public facilities
• Housekeeping service

The patient’s own medications will be administered. If a new medication or a refill is needed and the patient/family is unable to obtain it, the medication will be provided and the patient will be billed. Any additional services such as X-rays, labs, medications and rehabilitation therapies are available if needed but are not included in the basic fee. These services may be billed to Medicare.