Respite care is short term care that gives a family caregiver a planned break while a loved one with dementia continues to receive safe, attentive care. In Phoenix and Tempe, families can arrange respite care at home for as little as one hour with BrightStar Care of Phoenix and Tempe, which has no minimum hours. This guide explains what respite care is, how to know when to ask for it, and where to find local support during National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.

What is respite care?

Respite care is short term relief for a primary caregiver. The National Institute on Aging uses this same description. A substitute caregiver takes over so the family caregiver can rest, run errands, attend an appointment, or spend time with friends. Respite can take place at home, at an adult day center, or in a care facility. At home, a loved one with dementia stays in familiar surroundings and keeps familiar routines.

Why do dementia caregivers in Arizona need breaks?

Dementia caregiving is demanding, and Arizona families carry much of it. The Alzheimer's Association reports these figures:

152,000 Arizonans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease.
242,000 family caregivers in Arizona support people living with dementia.
Those caregivers provide 379 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $9.7 billion.
Nationally, 12.7 million family and other unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 19.6 billion hours of unpaid help in 2025, close to 30 hours per caregiver per week.

In a 2024 release, the Alzheimer's Association reported that 59% of dementia caregivers rate their emotional stress as high or very high. Stress that lasts can lead to caregiver burnout, which is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion.

What are the signs a caregiver needs respite?

A caregiver may need respite when exhaustion, isolation or worry start to affect daily life.

Common signs include:

Constant tiredness or trouble sleeping
Feeling overwhelmed, irritable or sad most days
Pulling away from friends, hobbies and routines
Skipping your own medical appointments
Feeling guilty about taking any time for yourself
Worrying about leaving your loved one alone, even for an hour

The Alzheimer's Association offers a Caregiver Stress Check to help you understand your own stress level.

What does in home respite care look like?

In home respite care means a trained caregiver comes to your loved one's home while you take a break. An individualized care plan guides each visit. Depending on your loved one's needs, a caregiver can help with:

Companionship and supervision
Meals and hydration
Bathing, dressing and toileting
Walking and getting up from a chair or bed
A calm, predictable routine for the day

Many families start with a few hours once a week and adjust as needs change.

How do you start respite care?

Start with one call and one small step.

Decide what kind of break you need, such as an afternoon, a morning each week, or a full weekend.
Call BrightStar Care of Phoenix and Tempe at 480-897-1166.
A Registered Nurse (RN) visits the home, learns about your loved one, and writes an individualized care plan.
Begin with a short visit, then adjust the schedule.

What local resources support dementia caregivers in Phoenix and Tempe?

Phoenix and Tempe offer helplines, support programs and community events for dementia caregivers.

Helplines and programs:

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
Area Agency on Aging, Region One 24 Hour Senior HELP LINE: 602-264-4357. Its Family Caregiver Support Program offers respite care, case management, education and support groups in Maricopa County. Eligibility requirements apply.
Arizona Caregiver Coalition: 888-737-7494. It runs respite programs, including a voucher program and emergency respite.
Dementia Friendly Tempe: a City of Tempe program for families, caregivers and people with memory loss (tempe.gov/DFT) November events:
Friday, November 6 and Friday, November 20, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Caregiver Coffee Cafe, Legacy Place, 360 E. Coronado Rd., Phoenix
Saturday, November 7: Walk to End Alzheimer's, Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Check in starts at 7:30 AM and the walk starts at 9:00 AM.
Sunday, November 22, 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Caregivers After Dark, virtual (Care 4 the Caregivers)

Event details come from organizer listings and can change. Confirm dates, times and registration with each organizer before you attend.

How does BrightStar Care of Phoenix and Tempe provide respite care?

We provide in home respite care with RN oversight, an individualized care plan and no minimum hours.

RN oversight: A Registered Nurse visits the home, assesses your loved one's needs, writes an individualized care plan, trains the caregiver on that specific client, and revisits to update the plan as needs change.
No minimum hours: Start with as little as one hour, or arrange care for a full weekend.
Trusted caregivers: Every caregiver is a W-2 employee who is background checked, trained and insured.
Accreditation: BrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited.

To arrange respite care, call us at 480-897-1166. We serve Phoenix, Tempe, Goodyear, Casa Grande, Arcadia, Maricopa and Buckeye.

Frequently asked questions

What is respite care for dementia caregivers?

Respite care is short term care that lets a family caregiver take a break while a loved one with dementia continues to be cared for. It can happen at home, at an adult day center, or in a care facility.

Does respite care mean my loved one has to leave home?

No. Respite care can be provided at home. BrightStar Care of Phoenix and Tempe provides in home respite care, so your loved one stays in familiar surroundings.

How many hours of respite care can I arrange?

BrightStar Care of Phoenix and Tempe has no minimum hours. Families can start with as little as one hour and adjust the schedule over time.

Is asking for respite care a sign that I am failing as a caregiver?

No. Taking breaks helps protect your own health, which supports your ability to keep caring for your loved one. The Alzheimer's Association encourages dementia caregivers to make their own health an equal priority.

Where can I find caregiver support in Phoenix?

Start with the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or the Area Agency on Aging, Region One Senior HELP LINE at 602-264-4357. For respite care at home, call BrightStar Care of Phoenix and Tempe at 480-897-1166.

Talk with BrightStar Care of Phoenix and Tempe

If you are caring for a loved one with dementia and need a break, call 480-897-1166. We serve Phoenix, Tempe, Goodyear, Casa Grande, Arcadia, Maricopa and Buckeye.

What Is Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers in Phoenix and Tempe?