- (814) 459-0621
- 607 E 26th St. | Erie, PA 16504
When a caregiver needs to temporarily step back, respite care can be a lifesaver. For families, it means knowing their loved one is receiving skilled care while they need to travel, work, or just take a break. But how much does respite care cost, and what financial support is available to families?
This guide breaks down respite care costs in Erie, PA, in 2025. We’ll help you understand the costs to expect and use this information to make the best decision for your family’s needs and budget.
The cost of respite care in Erie varies significantly based on the type of service and level of care needed. Here’s what families can expect to pay across different care settings:
| Average Respite Care Costs Based on Type of Care | ||||
| Care Type | Av. Hourly Rate | Av. Daily Rate | Av. Weekly (7-day) Rate | Av. Monthly Rate |
| In-Home Personal Care | $18.42 | $147 | $1,031 | $2,395 |
| Home Health Aide | $24-30 | $192-240 | $1,344-1,680 | $3,127-3,908 |
| Adult Day Care | N/A | $75-112 | $375-560 | $1,625-2,432 |
| Respite Stay | N/A | $200-456 | $1,400-2,492 | $8,000-12,828 |
Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3
Erie’s respite care costs are generally more affordable than those in Pennsylvania’s major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Erie offers a good balance of quality care options without the premium pricing found in larger urban centers.
Erie offers several respite care models, each with distinct pricing structures and benefits.
In-Home Respite Care
Professional caregivers come to your loved one’s home, providing the comfort of familiar surroundings. Erie’s in-home care rates average $18.42 per hour for basic personal care, making it one of the most affordable options for short-term relief.
Adult Day Programs
These centers provide daytime supervision, meals, and activities. Erie has several programs charging between $68-112 per day, often less than the $100 national average.
Facility-Based Respite Care
Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities offer overnight stays. Facilities like Nightingale provide respite stays at daily rates, though it’s best to contact the facility directly to get a clearer view of pricing and the services included.
Many of the costs we’ve provided are listed as ranges, because several factors can affect the overall cost of respite care.
| Factors Affecting Respite Care Costs in Erie, PA in 2025 | ||
| Factor | Impact on Cost | What Families Should Know |
| Level of Care Needed | +$5-25 per hour | Basic personal care costs less, while specialized services like wound care increase costs |
| Duration of Stay | Discounts for longer stays | Confirm the length of stay with the facility, as some cap respite care at a certain number of days |
| Time of Day/Week | +10-20% for evenings/weekends | Some facilities charge more for respite care over weekends or holidays |
| Room Type | +10-15% for a private room vs a semi-private room | Confirm rates with the facility and the types of rooms available |
The short answer: sometimes, but not always.
Medicare
Medicare typically does not cover routine respite care. The one exception is under the hospice benefit. If your loved one is receiving hospice, Medicare may pay for up to 5 days of respite care (every 30 days) in a facility to give the caregiver a break.
Medicaid & State Programs
Pennsylvania Medicaid and Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers may cover respite for eligible participants. Programs vary, so it’s best to check with the PA Department of Human Services or the Erie County Area Agency on Aging.
| Financial Support and Payment Options for Respite Care in Erie, PA | |||
| Program | Coverage | Eligibility | Contact |
| Community HealthChoices | Comprehensive respite services | Income and asset limits | PA Department of Human Services |
| PACE Programs | All-inclusive care, including respite | Age 55+, nursing home eligible | Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) |
| Private Insurance | Varies by policy | Check individual plans | Your insurance provider |
At Nightingale, we understand both the emotional and financial weight of arranging care. We’re here to help you navigate the respite care costs in Erie, PA, in 2025 and ensure your loved one receives the care they need while you take a break from caregiving.
We offer both standard respite care and specialized respite care for hospice patients. Regardless of the level of care required for your loved one, we’re here to help.
Contact the Nightingale team to learn more or schedule a tour of our facility here in Erie, PA.
