As families travel home over the holidays many are faced with the realization that their loved one has undergone substantial changes over the past year. Mom or dad, grandpa or grandma have become a bit slower and more confused. Perhaps they not eating regular healthy meals, or have become less mobile spending 24 hours a day in their favorite recliner. The prospect in which seniors are no longer able to live alone is frightening for both the senior as well as their family. Immediately uprooting the senior from their home of many years and even decades in favor of placement into an assisted living environment is a dramatic change to say the least. Regardless of the appropriateness of the decision, often a shorter term solution can be less stressful and ultimately the best decision.
Most assisted living communities will offer short term stays called Respite. Seniors can move into a fully furnished apartment and experience assisted living from a few weeks stay to a few months without making a longer term commitment. A “trial run” of one month is a great way to experience assisted living without selling one’s home and furniture. Seniors get to know the other residents, staff, and get the feel of the place, including the food and day to day life. Knowing that there is not a long term commitment the senior may be more likely to give it a try. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see if it is a good fit, and the respite stay often becomes a long term solution, benefiting the senior, as well as the family.
Senior care consultants at Next Chapter can assist you in finding facilities for a respite stay or any other appropriate care option which fits your needs.
