It means some valued time off to focus on your own needs. As you think about what you are most comfortable doing with this new concept called free time, you also will consider the preferences and capabilities of the person you are caring for, and the type of respite best suited to each of you. If the person you care for is a social person, he or she might enjoy spending time out with a companion, or in some group activities at an adult day care center, allowing you some quiet solitude at home. Adult day care centers are different - some provide health care and rehabilitation therapies, some are designed especially for people with dementia, and others are developed to create a social program for older adults to share activities. These centers provide a range of services, including supervision, social and recreational activities designed for the functional capabilities of the participants.
Costs vary, depending on type of program, but sliding scales are often offered.
In-home respite care can be provided by home health aides or certified nursing assistants, who can be hired through a home care agency listed in the yellow pages. There are also experienced and well-trained home care attendants that are available to be hired privately. If you are comfortable doing your own hiring and supervision, you can save the overhead costs of an agency and get more hours of assistance for you money. Some communities have local attendant registries that will refer you to individuals who are looking for home care work. Don't underestimate the value of work-related references.