Nursing and assisted living facilities will often accept seniors for short periods of time to provide the caregiver with time away from their job. This brief stay is considered a respite or time away stay and is not permanent. This time away is essential for healthy relationships and maintains the wellness of both the caregiver and their loved one. Often a strained relationship is renewed with time away.
Respite stays are often limited to two weeks. Less than two weeks is often not available because of the issue of continuity for such short engagements. More than two weeks is typically not available. There may be longer stays available, but costs may vary based on the prolonged stay. Respite by definition is a short term stay. The facility will require some basic information before they accept your loved one into their organization. They want to make sure that they can provide the level of service that your loved one requires. They may ask to visit your home to do an assessment.
The facility staff will require a number of documents and pieces of information to maintain continuity of care for your loved one. Each facility will have its own criteria, but generally the following will be required.
Facilities typically charge a daily fee for the room and nursing care. This fee includes meals, board and room and assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, hygiene, meals, ambulation, transfers and medication administration. The respite resident is placed on the nursing unit with other long term residents and is part of the milieu for their stay. They are included in outings and activities with the other residents. They may or may not have a roommate depending on the availability of beds in the facility.
Respite stays are a great way to get away for a vacation and time away from care giving responsibility. The senior is in the hands of a team who are skilled at working with seniors and welcome the newcomer with open arms.
Arranging respite care for your loved one can be an emotional time. Please reach out to me if you need advice when organizing your break.