Respite: A short period of rest or relief

If you are providing care for a spouse, a parent or other loved one, you may have a need to find an alternative for a short period of time. It could be a needed surgery, a wedding of a child or grandchild out of state or new baby.  Or you may consider a respite stay for a loved one to “try out” a facility.

During the pandemic, options are more limited than in the past but they do exist.

Things to consider:

• Know the date needed.  Respites are based on availability.  Certainly plan ahead but if your first choice is full you need a back up plan.
• Most places require a respite stay to be a week or two, and some one month. Very few will provide a long week-end due to the time involved to have the RN assess.
• The price will be higher than a normal stay at assisted living because it is more work for the facility and they are providing furniture.
• Does your long term care insurance pay for days of respite each year? Check your policy.
• All senior living with services and care are month to month rent.   Consider if it’s worth moving a few things, a bed a chair etc if your loved one wants to “try out” a facility for  a month over the winter for example.    It will be cheaper to pay by the month and give a 30 day notice than pay for a respite stay.
• More senior living options are testing for COVID so with 2 negative tests, they do not have to be quarantined to their room for two weeks.  This varies by site however. Ask what their protocol is in regards to quarantining, activities and essential caregiver visits.
• Does your loved one has special activities that are important to him/her, like playing bridge or listening to music? Finding a good fit that meets those interests is important to a positive experience.

 If this is something you are interested in please contact Choice Connections today! We are happy to help find the right option.