Respite care? How does it work?

Respite care, how does it work, who gets the care?
Is this when you are caring for someone and help is brought in to replace the care you give someone, so that the caregiver gets some "respite?" for a short time?

Thanks Cwillie, this is something I am hoping for. I know my husband is really worried about it. He is going to have to go out of town from time to time, and I suggested if his dad doesn't improve after his recent fall (nearly bed ridden now), I can't care for him and our child while my husband is gone and work as well. I just know it needs to be planned if it is in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility if they even do it here. I may have to make the calls. My mom would watch my little one ;) for me while I work.

I would think most assisted living or nursing homes have a bed or two available for respite. I'm planning a vacation for myself in a couple of weeks and have booked a room for my mom in the closest facility as private pay, $95 a day. I wanted to try this out while I do a "staycation" to iron out the bugs in case I ever really need it. I'm in Canada, but now that I've answered hopefully someone else will chime in to help you out?