If you are a family caregiver trying to plan a summer vacation with your own children, respite care might help. Learn more from Legacy Senior Living.
Family caregivers provide support that is crucial to the health and wellness of older Americans. The AARP estimates that family caregivers provide nearly $470 billion in unpaid care each year. From helping with bathing and grooming to preparing meals, providing transportation to physician appointments, and managing medications, it’s a rewarding but demanding role.
Being “on duty” 24 hours a day, seven days a week can take its toll on the caregiver’s own well-being. That’s why it’s important to take breaks and try to continue some semblance of a normal routine. One way to do this might be to take a summer vacation with your own family.
Summer is one of the busiest times of year for senior living communities that provide respite care. That’s because respite care is a solution that gives the family peace of mind and the senior an opportunity to enjoy a getaway of their own.
Legacy communities often receive calls in the spring and summer months from families who aren’t sure what respite really involves and how to go about finding a provider.
Let’s talk a little more about the questions families commonly ask about respite care.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is a short-term care solution designed to give the caregiver a break. Sometimes it is just for a short period of time to attend to household duties and maintenance. Other times it is to allow the family caregiver to travel.
Respite residents receive the same level of personal care and support as long-term residents do. They also participate in life enrichment programs and wellness activities, as well as enjoy socializing with other residents at meal times.
Meanwhile, caregivers get a break from their duties. They also have peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe and enjoying a mini-vacation of their own.
Once you decide respite care might be a good solution, the next step is to tour a few senior living communities to find one that will be a good fit for your loved one.
What Caregivers Should Know About Respite Care
What should you look for when you visit a senior living community to learn more about respite care?
This checklist can help you feel confident about the senior living community you choose for your loved one’s short-term respite stay:
- What safety and emergency call systems are in place for residents?
- How will the community get to know your loved one’s needs and interests?
- What does the staff do to help your loved one settle in?
- Do respite residents have access to the same services as long-term residents do?
- Do respite residents eat in same dining room as long-term residents?
- What services and support will your loved one receive each day?
- What happens when your loved one needs help overnight?
- Will the community provide assistance with laundry and housekeeping?
- How does the staff help respite residents meet people and connect in meaningful ways during their stay?
- Do the community, staff, and residents feel warm and welcoming?
- Is the respite apartment or suite inviting?
- Will someone invite and escort your loved one to the community’s events and activities?
- Can respite guests use the community’s transportation services?
- How much is the daily rate for respite, and what other charges should you expect to incur?
If you are considering respite care for someone you love this spring or summer, we extend an open invitation to you to visit one of the Legacy communities. We’d love it if you stayed for lunch or dinner, too!