Caregiver burnout is real. San Diego County offers adult day programs, in-home respite, and short-term facility stays that give family caregivers time to recharge.
By Marcus Reyes, LSW · June 30, 2026
Caring for an aging parent or spouse is one of the most meaningful things a family member can do — and one of the most exhausting. Studies consistently show that unpaid family caregivers are at high risk for depression, physical illness, and burnout. Respite care exists to give caregivers a temporary break while ensuring their loved one receives safe, professional attention.
Respite can last a few hours, a full day, several days, or even a few weeks. It can take place in the home, at an adult day center, or at a residential facility. San Diego County has a wider range of respite options than most California counties, thanks to its large veteran population, strong Area Agency on Aging network, and dozens of licensed adult day programs. Knowing what is available — and how to pay for it — is the first step to actually using it.
The most accessible starting point for many families is In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), California's Medi-Cal-funded program that sends a paid aide to the home. IHSS hours can be used flexibly — including while the family caregiver is out of the house — effectively functioning as in-home respite. To apply, call the San Diego County IHSS office at (619) 338-2900 or visit the HHSA Self-Sufficiency portal online.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) San Diego also administers the Family Caregiver Support Program, which can provide short-term in-home respite at low or no cost to qualifying families. AAA San Diego's main line is 800-339-4661. A care specialist can assess your situation and connect you with county-funded respite hours. These hours are limited and often waitlisted, so call early rather than waiting until burnout has already set in.
Private home care agencies throughout San Diego — including those in Chula Vista, Escondido, and El Cajon — also offer hourly respite at typical rates of $28 to $38 per hour for a non-medical home health aide. Some long-term care insurance policies reimburse these costs; check the policy's respite benefit clause.
Adult day health centers (ADHCs) are licensed facilities that provide supervised care, social activities, meals, and health monitoring for seniors during daytime hours — typically 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For working caregivers or those who need a predictable daily break, ADHCs are often the most practical and cost-effective solution.
San Diego County has more than 30 licensed adult day programs. The California Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) maintains a searchable list at ccld.dss.ca.gov — search Adult Day Program under San Diego County to see licensed facilities, inspection history, and any citations. Notable programs include Coastline Adult Day Health Center in Oceanside (serving North County), Options Adult Day Services in Mission Hills, and Casa de las Campanas Adult Day Program in Rancho Bernardo.
Medi-Cal covers adult day health services for eligible participants through the ADHC waiver. Costs for private-pay participants generally run $80 to $140 per day, which is substantially less than a full day of in-home aide care. Many programs offer sliding-scale fees based on income.
When a caregiver needs more than a few hours — perhaps for a medical procedure, a vacation, or recovery from illness — a short-term stay at a licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) or memory care community may be the right answer. Many San Diego assisted living and memory care communities accept respite guests for stays of 5 to 30 days, with rates typically ranging from $150 to $350 per day depending on care level.
To verify that a facility is licensed and has a clean inspection record before booking a respite stay, search the CCLD database at ccld.dss.ca.gov. Filter for Residential Care Facility for the Elderly in San Diego County. Look at the most recent inspection report and any Type A or Type B citations — a clean record over the past 24 months is a strong indicator of consistent care.
Veterans and their spouses may qualify for respite coverage through the VA San Diego Healthcare System, located in La Jolla at 3350 La Jolla Village Drive. The VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) includes a respite benefit of up to 30 days per year for eligible veteran-caregiver pairs. Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to find out whether your family qualifies.
The biggest barrier to using respite care is usually guilt, not logistics. Many family caregivers feel they are abandoning a loved one by stepping away. Reframing respite as a health necessity — both for the caregiver and the person being cared for — makes it easier to act on.
Practically speaking, start by calling AAA San Diego at 800-339-4661 for a free Caregiver Needs Assessment. This connects you with a care coordinator who can outline county-funded options, help you apply for IHSS if you have not already done so, and flag local nonprofit programs offering supplemental respite hours. The Alzheimer's San Diego Helpline at 800-272-3900 is another strong resource specifically for dementia caregivers.
For families who can budget for private respite, consider block-booking a home care agency for a set number of hours per week so the schedule becomes routine. Consistency makes it easier for the senior to adjust and easier for the caregiver to actually step away without worry.
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