There is a growing trend in senior living for older adults needing some daily assistance to live temporarily in an assisted living or memory care community. These short-term visits are often referred to as respite stays. A respite stay in senior living typically lasts from a few weeks to a month, and sometimes longer.
In a recent Tri-Lakes Tribune guest column, Elizabeth Girling, Vice President of Operations for WellAge Senior Living, explains what a respite stay is and highlights the benefits for both seniors and caregivers.
Girling notes that as part of the respite stay, an individual moves from their home residence to the assisted living or memory care community and receives a fully furnished apartment. The goal is to provide the individual with support with activities of daily living while offering all-inclusive services such as meals, housekeeping and laundry, personal care assistance, transportation and access to amenities and other supportive services available to the community’s residents.
The individual typically has access to caregiving and medical support, as well as outside services like home health, hospice and physical therapy, to assist with medications, mobility and other health-related needs. While staying at the community and receiving the essential support they need, they can also participate in daily life at the community—socializing with other residents, joining wellness programs and taking part in educational or entertainment activities.
Common reasons for a respite stay include the need for an individual recovering from an injury or surgery to be in a setting where they can receive support. Additionally, respite stays are ideal for caregivers who may need time to address their own medical issues, go on vacation or simply take a break to recharge from full-time care duties for a loved one.
Respite stays offer a flexible, supportive option for both seniors and caregivers, providing peace of mind and high-quality care on a short-term basis. During the stay, families know their loved one is in a safe, supervised environment receiving professional care, social engagement and wellness opportunities they may not experience living at home.
It’s common for a senior to join a retirement community such as Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living for a temporary respite stay or as a long-term resident, and for families to comment that their loved one seems much more vibrant after the move. This is often due to balanced, nutritious meals, structured activities and the connection to others, compared to the isolation they may have felt at home.
Even if a senior is hesitant at first, a respite stay can open the door to a better understanding of what senior living is really like—and that can be a turning point for both them and their family.
If you would like to learn more about a respite stay, contact the Sopris Lodge team at 970-678-0057 or visit us online at soprislodge.com. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you explore options that fit your needs.
