November is National Family Caregivers Month. It’s a time to recognize the family and friends who help care for a loved one.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 1 in 4 American adults provides ongoing care for older adults or people with serious illnesses or disabilities. Being a caregiver can be rewarding. But it can also be hard work! You may help your loved one with daily tasks at home. You may take them to doctor visits. You may also have a job, children or other duties.
You don’t have to do it alone
As a caregiver, you give a lot to the person you care for. Sometimes, you need support to take care of yourself, too! Taking a break is not selfish. It can help you stay healthy and keep caring for your loved one.
If you care for a family member or loved one, you may be able to get respite services. Respite services give caregivers a break so they can:
- Rest.
- Take care of their own needs.
- Handle other duties.
These services can help loved ones stay at home instead of moving to a care facility.
What respite services do Medi-Cal and TotalCare offer?
Respite services include:
- Hourly care on an as-needed basis when the usual caregiver is not able to be there.
- Full-day or overnight care for temporary relief.
- Help with the member’s basic daily needs, like:
- Bathing.
- Getting dressed.
- Feeding.
- Using the bathroom.
- Moving around safely.
- Taking part in social activities.
- Staying safe with supervision.
Respite care may be given in the member’s home or in an approved care setting. TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) members may get up to 336 hours of respite care each calendar year. This can happen at home or in a care facility. In some cases, more hours may be approved. Learn more in Chapter 4 of the TotalCare Evidence of Coverage (Member Handbook).
How do I get respite services?
To get started, your loved one can:
- Tell their care manager that you are their caregiver.
- Give permission for the care manager to talk with you about their care.
If you are a caregiver for a Medi-Cal member and need a break, call Member Services at 800-700-3874 (TTY: 800-735-2929). For TotalCare members, call TotalCare Member Services at 833-530-9015. We can help you find out what kind of respite services you can get.
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Call TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) at 833-530-9015 (TTY: 800-735-2929 (Dial 711)), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from October 1 through March 31, and Monday to Friday (except holidays) from April 1 through September 30.
TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California Medicaid program. Enrollment in TotalCare depends on contract renewal. TotalCare is the trade name of Central California Alliance for Health. TotalCare is a registered trademark of the Santa Cruz-Monterey-Merced-San Benito-Mariposa Managed Medical Care Commission, a California public entity, operating as Central California Alliance for Health.
H5692_TNCA0213_2026_C Compliance Approved 10.21.2026
