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How Respite Care Can Be Used To Let a Parent Give a Trial Run Of Assisted Living

A health care worker sits beside an older woman and holds her hand

Most of life’s bigger decisions don’t come with a test drive. Yes, you can take a car out for a drive and maybe even keep it overnight, but beyond what it’s like to drive it doesn’t give you a lot of insight into how it’ll be to own. However, when it comes to deciding if assisted living is a good choice for a loved one, respite care gives you a chance to get a feel for a community’s lifestyle before you decide.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is a type of short-term care for older adults that fills in the gaps when a family caregiver needs to travel, run errands, visit friends, go to the doctor, or simply recharge. It can be for a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks, and it usually involves either in-home care or a short stay at an assisted living community. Respite care services typically include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and transportation. Some people also use respite care to recover after a medical procedure or hospital stay. During a respite stay, your loved one will have access to all the community’s services and amenities, having an opportunity to:

  • Be included in daily activities including classes, events and outings
  • Socialize and dine with other residents
  • Receive personalized care, companionship and transportation
  • Be under skilled supervision on secure grounds
  • Potentially have access to medical services, like on-site nurses

Making Your Choice

To use a respite stay to evaluate an assisted living community for your loved one, here are some things to ask them after their visit:

  • Did you feel welcomed during your stay?
  • Were people friendly and helpful? Did they answer your questions?
  • Did you like your apartment and if you moved there, would you be excited about decorating it? Does it fit your style? Can you picture your stuff in it?
  • Are there activities or programs you enjoyed or looked forward to?
  • Does the community fit with your lifestyle?
  • Can you see yourself living here? Do you like the feel of the place? Do you like the people? Does it seem like a place where you could achieve your goals and/or that would support you along the way?
  • Do you think it would be easy to make friends here? Are there people here you want to get to know better?
  • Did you like the food?
  • If your family member is a person of faith, does this community feel like a place you where they can follow their beliefs?
  • Do you feel like you’d be giving something up if you moved here? Are there experiences you’d miss out on by not moving here?
  • Is staff supportive of residents? Do the residents seem to be enjoying themselves?
  • If your loved one has a pet, would their furry friend like living here?

Try Regency Oaks Respite Care

If you’re considering an assisted living community like Regency Oaks, respite care is a commitment-free way to experience our lifestyle. To explore our respite care options or to experience our community for yourself, contact us here.