PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Relieving “caregiver burnout” Chuck Jennings, vice president of clinical operations and quality servic- es for Enlivant, noted that providing care for a loved one can be reward- ing but it also can be overwhelming. “A respite stay allows for the
caregiver to re-energize and avoid caregiver burnout without feeling guilty,” Jennings said. “Often, caregivers become so involved in providing care for a loved one that they begin to lose their personal identities. A respite stay allows the adult caregiver to reconnect with the things that bring them happiness and maintain an appreciation for their loved one as an individual and not simply someone needing assistance. Many times, I have seen the respite care option allow families to enjoy a vacation with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving excellent care provided by trained caregivers, medication assistance, consistent meals, along with socialization with other residents.” Juli Navarrete, vice president of clinical practice, Sunrise Senior
Chuck Jennings
Living, said respite care not only provides a critical break for caregivers when it is needed most but it helps them be at their best when they return to their caregiving duties. “Respite care can provide a temporary reprieve and relief
for caregivers, giving them a break from some of the physical, emotional, and mental demands that may occur when providing
care to an older relative,” Navarrete said. “This temporary break from the responsibilities of caregiving can allow individuals to rest, relax and re-engage in personal activities and social pursuits while having peace of mind knowing that their loved one is be- ing well cared for in a safe and nurturing environment. Having meaningful breaks can prevent burnout and allow the caregiver to continue to care for their loved one in a healthy way.” Respite care is not necessarily a one-time experience, Motto noted.
Some families turn to respite care several times a year as needed. “Once you have built the relationship with the resident and
their family, there is an increase in comfort level that expands the opportunity,” Motto said.
Aiding older adults As helpful as respite care is for caregivers, Jennings believes it’s even more beneficial for older adults who need support. According to Jennings, “A
respite stay not only serves as a safe short-term stay option, but it also provides an engaging envi- ronment for the individual. The ability to experience activities and socialize with residents they can relate to is important for both the physical and emotional well-being of older adults.”
Carlene Motto
Maria Cruz, an associate at Benchmark Senior Living’s The Atrium at Cardinal Drive in Agawam, Massachusetts, works with a resident. Respite care allows senior living staff to get to know future residents and better serve them when they make a more permanent move.
16 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
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