Your caregiver arrives, checks in on your parent's current state and any changes since yesterday, and takes over. They help with meals and eating, medications if that's part of the routine, bathing or hygiene if needed, dressing, toileting, and company. If your parent likes to sit outside or work on a puzzle or watch their shows, the caregiver is there doing that with them. They keep a simple note so you know how the day went. The goal is your parent stays safe, cared for, and calm, and you get to leave.

We can often start within a few days. If you call us right after your parent comes home from Norwalk Hospital, we'll ask what you need most, do a brief in-home assessment if that helps, and get a caregiver matched and trained on your parent's specific care routine. Most families get their first respite day scheduled within a week. If it's urgent, we'll move faster.

Respite Care is private pay. Medicare and most insurance plans don't cover it, which means you pay out of pocket, but you also get to choose exactly who comes and when. No authorizations, no denials, no fighting. Some families check with their long-term care insurance policies, and occasionally a policy will cover respite, so it's worth asking. We can help you figure out what fits your budget.

Home health aides typically come through a medical agency, are covered by insurance or Medicare for specific post-medical needs, and focus on medical or hands-on care tasks. Respite Care is different. It's hired by you, covers everything from care to company, and exists solely to give you a break. You're in control of the schedule, the rate, and what happens during those hours. Respite is about relief. Home health aide is typically about recovery from an illness or hospital stay.

Yes. We ask about your parent's temperament, any medical needs, whether they prefer quiet or activity, dietary preferences, and what makes them feel safe. Some families need someone strong for physical care. Others need someone patient and steady. Some parents do better with men, others with women. We listen to all of that and we match for fit, not just availability. If the match isn't working after the first visit, we adjust.

We call you with as much notice as we can give, and we find backup. We keep a few trained caregivers on rotation so you don't lose your respite day. If a caregiver gets sick or has an emergency, we notify you early and send someone who knows your parent or is new to them but thoroughly briefed. You won't be left hanging.