The holiday season is a hectic time of year. For some families, it includes traveling to a loved one’s home hundreds of miles away. For others, it means hosting festive celebrations. When you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one, juggling the demands of the season can be complicated. This is especially true if the family elder you are caring for isn’t safe staying alone.
One solution to consider is a respite care stay in a nearby assisted living community.
Short-Term Assisted Living Stays
Respite care is a safe and convenient option when a caregiver needs a break. Families often use it on a recurring basis to give the caregiver time to care for their own needs. Many also use respite care when taking a family vacation.
Most senior living communities welcome short-term guests. Care team members have experience helping respite visitors quickly settle in and feel comfortable. Respite guests enjoy the same care, amenities, and support services that long-term residents do. As a result, they can enjoy personal assistance with everything from bathing and dressing to medication management and housekeeping.
Respite at an Assisted Living Community during the Holidays
The holidays can be an especially exciting time to take advantage of respite. Assisted living communities usually have a calendar of activities filled with holiday events ranging from carolers and community outings to cookie baking, craft parties, and family nights. Respite stay guests can participate in as many—or as few—activities that are of interest.
For family caregivers, knowing a loved one is relaxed and engaged with peers doing life enrichment activities brings peace of mind. You can enjoy your holiday festivities knowing your loved one is in a secure environment.
Respite Admission Criteria
Respite admission criteria vary by state and by community. Some states have very minimal admission criteria, while others require a complete physical, a chest x-ray, and more. As you talk with and visit assisted living communities to learn more about respite care, make certain to obtain a list of their admission requirements.
Consider Holiday Respite to be a Trial Stay
When a senior loved one is a guest at an assisted living community, they have an opportunity to get to know the staff and other residents in a warm and welcoming way. If they’ve been on the fence about making a permanent move, this may help them decide. Respite can actually serve as a trial stay.
Since respite care is often very popular during the holidays, it is best to book your loved one’s stay as far in advance as you can. We invite you to visit a Sunrise Senior Living community near you and join us for a complimentary meal. One of our team members will answer all of your questions about respite care, and take you on a personal tour.
Call us at 888-434-4648 to set up a time!