Caregivers have a critical role in their family member’s life. Many caregivers may feel like they have to do everything on their own, but there are many resources available to caregivers and their families to provide needed support.
Respite care for elderly family members is an option available after a hospitalization or medical event. Your family member can even try respite care in a senior living community before there’s an urgent need. This helps them see what senior living is like and helps your family plan ahead to have a trusted solution when needed.
Respite care is a short-term stay at an assisted living community. This enables you, the primary caregiver, to have a break or receive additional support after your family member has experienced a medical event or hospitalization. Transitioning to a community setting can often be a safer choice for older adults because they have access to around-the-clock resources that can help them recover. This setting allows your family member to receive the medical support and monitoring they require in a structured environment that supports recovery.
Services provided in respite care generally include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). ADLs include basic activities that your family member performs throughout the day, such as eating, toileting, or taking care of personal hygiene. IADLs are more complex activities, such as preparing meals, doing laundry, or managing finances or medications.
Respite care can be a good option if a caregiver is unable to provide care for a specific period—whether it’s because they’re taking care of their own health issues, going on a vacation, or evaluating a home care provider. Respite care services also enable families to see what senior living is like. Older adults who choose a respite care stay in a community may ultimately find that it’s beneficial to permanently move to that community.
Those receiving respite care have access to the same care, attention, and opportunities as full-time residents. During a short-term respite care stay in a community, your family member will experience these benefits:
Senior living communities offer valuable learning opportunities designed to enrich residents’ lives, help them discover new interests, and pursue their hobbies. These opportunities are meaningful and personalized to residents’ interests to enrich their lives rather than just keeping them busy.
Communities host social events and excursions within the local community that encourage connection and provide new experiences. These opportunities are carefully crafted to enhance residents’ well-being and support mental and emotional health, creating an enriching environment for all residents.
One of the keys to healthy aging is maintaining close relationships. Socialization can help reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. This is why senior living communities are designed to increase social interactions and make it effortless to meet a new friend or strike up a conversation with a neighbor.
Senior living communities offer nearly unlimited opportunities to connect with others. Your family member can attend daily social gatherings, go to a scheduled event, and meet new people in shared social spaces.
Meals are social events in communities. Residents can gather at the table and talk about their day and their families with each other. This is similar to the way families bond over dinner every night. Meals are a time to create and celebrate the meaningful connections that are an essential part of life.
Medication regimens can become complicated after a medical event or hospital stay. In respite care, trained nursing staff members ensure medications are taken correctly and on time, reducing the risk of missed doses or drug interactions.
Senior living communities are equipped to handle these complexities, offering around-the-clock care and monitoring. Whether your family member is adjusting to new prescriptions or managing long-term medications, they’ll receive the support they need from caring staff members. This provides peace of mind for older adults and their family members, helping to ensure their safety and well-being throughout their stay.
Community-provided respite care offers on-site physical and occupational therapy to support your family member’s recovery and help them regain strength. Additional home health services can be arranged as needed to support your family member as they regain strength.
Your family member can receive assistance at all times from the community’s 24/7 support staff. You’ll also have access to your family member’s electronic health records to keep your family informed.
Senior living communities also offer scheduled transportation services to ensure your family member doesn’t miss any medical appointments. This level of care enables you to focus on your family member’s well-being without taking time off of work to manage daily care needs.
Nutritious meals have a key role in supporting the recovery process during respite care. Your family member will receive regular meals tailored to their nutritional needs with heart-healthy, low-sodium, and diabetic-friendly options. Many communities offer all-day dining, allowing residents to eat according to their own schedule and when it’s most comfortable for them rather than following strict meal times.
Senior living communities provide personalized care experiences to ensure every person’s needs and wishes are prioritized. This approach goes beyond just medical care, ensuring your family member has what they need to be comfortable and improve their overall well-being—even when they’re in the community for a short-term stay.
Your family member also has a say in their daily activities, ensuring that their time in respite care is meaningful and supportive. This approach fosters trust and a sense of belonging, making the transition to respite care smooth and comfortable.
Before arranging respite care for your family member, it’s important to research and plan as much in advance as possible. Here are some tips for arranging a short-term respite care stay in an assisted living community:
Set up the stay in advance. If possible, set up the stay as far in advance as possible to ensure that your family member can receive respite care at the community.
Understand the costs. Every community has different rates. Ask what’s included in the overall cost, such as meals, activities, and care services.
Know the admissions and discharge process. Know the minimum and maximum amount of time for a stay and the discharge process.
Familiarize yourself with visiting information. Find out when you can visit and stay with your family member.
Decide what to bring. Check with the community to find out what room furnishings are provided and what you need to bring.
Talk with your family member. Discuss the upcoming stay with your family member. Remember that respite care can help your family see what senior living is like, which is especially beneficial if you or your family member are nervous.
Being a caregiver can impact your life in ways you may not have expected at first. But there are plenty of resources available to assist you and your family to help you be at your best for your family member.
Explore our suite of family caregiver resources to learn more about the support that’s available to you.