Respite Care
Take a break. Your loved one stays cared for.
You don't have to carry everything alone.
Caring for a loved one is one of the most meaningful things you’ll ever do. It’s also one of the most exhausting. Between managing medications, doctor appointments, personal care, and daily routines, family caregivers rarely get a moment to breathe—let alone rest.
Over 53 million Americans are unpaid family caregivers, and most reach a point where the weight becomes too much. That’s not failure. That’s human.
Respite care gives you permission to step away—for an afternoon, a weekend, or longer—while a professional caregiver provides the same compassionate support your loved one depends on. You get the break you need. They stay comfortable at home. Everyone benefits.
CAREGIVER RELIEF
Taking a break isn't selfish. It's essential.
Many family caregivers feel guilty about needing help. You might worry that asking for a break means you’re not strong enough or devoted enough. The truth is the opposite: recognizing when you need rest is one of the smartest things you can do.
The reality of caregiver burnout:
Chronic stress affects your health, your relationships, and your ability to provide good care. Without regular breaks, even the most dedicated caregivers experience exhaustion, frustration, and declining health. Research from the Family Caregiver Alliance shows that caregivers who use respite services report better mental health and lower stress levels.
Why respite care works:
Regular respite breaks help you return to caregiving with renewed patience, focus, and energy. Studies show that consistent respite can delay nursing home placement and reduce hospitalizations for seniors. When you care for yourself, you’re better equipped to care for someone else.
This isn’t about being selfish—it’s about being sustainable.
SUPPORTING THE WHOLE FAMILY
Everyone wins with respite care.
You get time to rest, attend your own health appointments, see friends, run errands, or simply sleep. When you return, you’re refreshed, focused, and emotionally balanced—better able to provide the care your loved one deserves.
Family caregivers:
Care recipients:
Your loved one receives professional, compassionate support from an experienced caregiver. Many seniors enjoy the fresh companionship and engaging interaction. For those with memory loss, a trained caregiver provides structure, stimulating activities, and patient support.
The whole family:
Respite care reduces daily stress and preserves healthy relationships. By preventing caregiver burnout, it strengthens the bond you share with your loved one and creates a more sustainable caregiving routine for the long term.
Why families choose All Heart for respite care.
Not all home care agencies are the same. When you need respite, you need someone you can trust—quickly, completely, and without worry. Here’s what sets All Heart apart:
- Dedicated caregivers, not rotating staff — Your loved one sees the same familiar, trusted face each visit. We carefully match personalities and preferences, then maintain that relationship throughout your care.
- Veteran-owned and operated — We understand service, commitment, and reliability. Our military values shape how we care for your family—with honor, integrity, and genuine dedication.
- 11 years serving San Diego families —Over a decade of experience caring for your neighbors throughout La Mesa, La Jolla, Rancho Bernardo, and all of San Diego County. Local expertise you can trust.
- Low Rate Guarantee — We'll beat any comparable quote from another licensed San Diego agency. You get exceptional care at the best possible price—we put that in writing.
- Same-day availability for emergencies — Crisis doesn't wait. When you need help immediately, we can often arrange care within hours. Call us, and we'll move mountains to support you.
- No long-term contracts required — Use respite when you need it. Weekly, monthly, or just occasionally—no commitments, no pressure, no hidden fees. Complete flexibility to match your life.
SPECIALIZED RESPITE CARE
We provide respite care for families managing:
Our caregivers are trained to support a wide range of conditions and challenges. Whether your loved one has a specific diagnosis or simply needs extra help, we adapt our care to meet their unique needs.
No matter what you’re facing, you’re not facing it alone.
COMPREHENSIVE IN-HOME SUPPORT
Complete support while you're away.
All Heart Home Care provides flexible, personalized respite care throughout San Diego County. Our caregivers follow your loved one’s preferred routines so their day stays familiar and comfortable.
Our respite care includes:
Companionship and supervision
Friendly conversation, engaging activities, games, or hobbies—plus attentive supervision to ensure safety. We provide meaningful social interaction and help prevent isolation.
Personal care assistance
Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobility. We maintain dignity and comfort while assisting with safe transfers, walking, and positioning.
Light housekeeping
We have caregivers who are highly skilled cleaners, capable of transforming your home into a safe, hygienic and comfortable environment. Some of the general domestic duties they perform include Tidying, dishes, laundry, and keeping the house clean and safe.
Meal Preparation
We prepare nutritious meals, provide snacks, ensure hydration, and accommodate dietary needs or favorite recipes.
Medication reminders and health monitoring
Timely medication reminders and observation for changes in mood, behavior, or health. If your loved one has prescribed exercises or therapy routines, we help keep them on track.
Errands and transportation
Assistance with errands, transportation to medical appointments, grocery runs, or a relaxing walk in the park. We ensure your loved one stays active and supported.
Memory engagement
Our caregivers can help seniors stay mentally alert by engaging in memory-boosting activities such as reminiscing, playing board games, doing art therapy, and listening to music. These kinds of activities are particularly useful for senior clients with a neurodegenerative condition like Alzheimer’s disease.
COMMON RESPITE SITUATIONS
When respite care helps most.
Preventing caregiver burnout:
If you’ve been providing intense care without rest, you need a break. Scheduling respite once or twice weekly gives you dedicated time to rest, attend appointments, or focus on self-care.
Family events or travel:
Attending a wedding, taking a vacation, or visiting family shouldn’t require impossible logistics. Respite care ensures your loved one is safely cared for at home while you travel or celebrate.
Work or personal commitments:
Balancing caregiving with a job, parenting, or other responsibilities is exhausting. Respite care gives you time to focus on work projects, attend classes, or catch up on errands without worry.
Emergencies or illness:
If you’re sick, have a medical procedure, or face a personal emergency, respite care can be arranged quickly. Instead of pushing through while unwell, you can rest and recover.
Transition periods:
When your loved one returns home from the hospital or rehab, a caregiver can help with recovery support during those crucial first days. Respite care is also ideal if you’re considering long-term care and want to ease into it gradually.
WHEN CARE MATTERS MOST
Real respite in action:
After caring for her mother with dementia for two years without a break, Jennifer scheduled weekly respite care with All Heart. She used those four hours each Wednesday for yoga, lunch with friends, and grocery shopping. The regular breaks helped her manage stress and approach caregiving with renewed patience instead of frustration. “I only wish I’d called sooner,” she told us. “Having just four hours a week to be ‘me’ again made all the difference.”
Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s smart caregiving. By taking advantage of respite opportunities, you protect your health, preserve your energy, and stay strong for those who count on you.
YOUR FIRST RESPITE VISIT
What happens during respite care.
Many families worry about what actually happens when they step away. Here’s exactly what you can expect:
Before the visit:
We’ll create a detailed care plan together, covering your loved one’s routine, preferences, medications, favorite activities, and any special needs. You’ll meet the caregiver in advance so everyone feels comfortable.
During the visit:
Your caregiver arrives at the scheduled time, reviews the care plan, and follows the routines you’ve established. They’ll engage your loved one with conversation, activities, or simply provide comforting companionship. All personal care, meals, and medication reminders happen exactly as you’ve outlined.
Staying connected:
You can request a check-in text when care begins. Feel free to call anytime for updates—we want you to feel connected and informed, not anxious—your peace of mind matters.
After the visit:
When you return, your caregiver will brief you on how the day went—what your loved one ate, activities they enjoyed, mood and behavior, and any concerns. You maintain complete visibility and control.
Over time:
As your caregiver and loved one build their relationship, you’ll notice your anxiety decreasing. Many families are surprised how quickly their loved one looks forward to visits. Trust builds naturally with consistency and care.
Real Stories. Real Families. Real Comfort.
Hear from families we’ve supported.
Finally getting rest — and peace of mind.
“After months of caring for my husband with Parkinson’s without a break, I was at my breaking point. All Heart’s respite care gave me my first full night’s sleep in a year. Maria became like family—my husband actually looked forward to her visits. I only wish I’d called sooner.”
— A grateful wife in San Diego
Finding someone we could truly trust.
“I was terrified to leave my mom alone with anyone else. The team at All Heart took time to understand her routine and matched us with Rachel, who’s been absolutely wonderful. Now I can go to work without constant worry. It’s changed everything for our family.”
— A grateful son in San Diego
Getting started is simple.
We make beginning care fast, effortless, and personal.
Call us or reach out online.
You speak directly with a local care coordinator — not a national call center.
Personalized consultation (free).
We discuss needs, mobility, memory changes, routine, safety concerns, preferred schedule, and budget. You get honest guidance, not pressure.
Care plan and caregiver match.
We design a custom in-home care plan. We hand-match a caregiver to fit both skill and personality. You meet them before the first shift.
Care begins.
We start when you’re ready. You stay in control. We stay in touch.
Frequently asked questions about respite home care services.
What is respite care?
Respite care provides temporary relief for family caregivers by having a professional caregiver step in to care for your loved one at home. It can be scheduled for a few hours, overnight, or multiple days—giving you time to rest, travel, work, or focus on your health while your loved one stays safe and comfortable in familiar surroundings.
How quickly can you arrange respite care?
We can often begin care within 24-48 hours, and frequently faster for urgent needs. If you’re suddenly ill or facing an emergency, we prioritize getting caregivers in place the same day. Our team answers calls 24/7 at (619) 736-4677—when crisis strikes, we move fast to ensure your loved one has support.
Will my loved one have the same caregiver each time?
Yes. We prioritize consistency by matching your loved one with a dedicated caregiver who learns their routine, preferences, and personality. Unlike agencies that rotate staff, we believe familiar faces build trust and comfort. Your loved one won’t feel like a stranger is visiting, and you won’t have to re-explain routines constantly.
What if my loved one doesn't want help from someone new?
This is completely normal, especially with dementia or strong independence. We introduce caregivers gradually—starting with short visits while you’re present so your loved one gets comfortable at their own pace. Our team is trained in building trust with reluctant clients using patience, warmth, and respect. Families are often surprised how quickly their loved one warms up to a kind, compatible caregiver.
Can I schedule respite care for just a few hours?
Absolutely. Respite care is completely flexible—from a few hours one afternoon to overnight shifts or continuous care for a week. There’s no minimum time requirement or long-term commitment. We work around your schedule and adjust as your needs change, whether you need occasional breaks or regular weekly time off.
Does insurance cover respite care?
Long-term care insurance policies often cover respite care services, and we’ll help verify your benefits and handle paperwork. Standard Medicare and health insurance typically do not cover non-medical respite care. Eligible veterans may receive up to $2,100/month through VA Aid & Attendance benefits. We’ll work to maximize any available coverage to make care as affordable as possible.
What if I need respite care on short notice?
We’re locally based in San Diego with caregivers throughout San Diego County ready to help, so we can often accommodate last-minute requests—even evenings, overnights, or holidays. Our team answers calls 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether you have an unexpected work trip, sudden illness, or emergency, call (619) 736-4677 and we’ll arrange a qualified caregiver, often within hours.
Is it normal to feel guilty about taking a break?
Completely normal—and completely unnecessary. Many caregivers struggle with guilt, worrying that accepting help means they’re not devoted enough. The truth is the opposite: taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to ensure good care for your loved one. Research shows that caregivers who use respite services have lower stress and better health. Taking a break isn’t weakness—it’s essential self-care that makes you a better caregiver.
Are your caregivers available 24/7?
Yes. Our care team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including nights, weekends, and holidays. You can schedule respite care whenever you need it, whether it’s 2pm or 2am. We have staff available at all times and pride ourselves on being available whenever families need us, including same-day urgent requests.
What's the difference between respite care and regular home care?
Respite care is temporary relief for family caregivers—you remain the primary caregiver and we step in occasionally when you need a break. Regular home care involves a set schedule (often daily or multiple times weekly) to consistently share caregiving responsibilities. Many families start with respite and transition to regular care as needs increase. We’re flexible and can adapt our services as your situation evolves.
LEARN. PREPARE. FIND PEACE OF MIND
Guides and expert insights on Respite care in San Diego.
Navigating the responsibilities of caregiving can be both meaningful and overwhelming. Our blog is here to support you through every step of your respite care journey. Whether you’re looking for tips on balancing self-care, insights into short-term home support, or guidance on choosing the right services, our articles are filled with expert advice and heartfelt encouragement. Explore the posts below to gain clarity, confidence, and comfort as you care for your loved one—and yourself.

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