definition of respite care
Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Respite care. Respite care is the provision of short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family members who might otherwise require permanent placement in a facility outside the home.
respite care1. 1 short-term health services for the dependent older adult, either at home or in an institutional setting. 2 the provision of temporary care for a patient who requires specialized or intensive care or supervision that is normally provided by his or her family at home.