“A respite stay not only serves as a safe short-term stay option, but it also provides an engagingenvironment 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.”
—Chuck Jennings, vice president ofclinical operations and quality services for Enlivant Motto said respite care particularly benefits individuals with
forms of dementia by allowing them to interact with others facing similar challenges. “They are able to engage socially in a way that is therapeutic,
but not frustrating,” Motto explained. “There’s a wider range of activities and dedicated programming with a specially trained staff – a successful respite stay can make a difference in helping to change routines or cycles.” Sometimes, respite care serves as a place of transition and adjustment to new circumstances before returning home. “Many of our respite care residents come to us following
surgery, illness, or changes to their medications,” said Elizabeth Wheatley, vice president of resident care for Benchmark Senior Living. “With the help of our associates, the resident can build confidence to return home following a surgery, while undergo- ing chemotherapy or a change in anti-anxiety medications, for example. While they might not be at a point in their life for assisted living, the stay plants the seed for that option down the road.”
Preparing both caregivers and older adults for a permanent move Filby explained respite care is a substantial component of most assisted living companies’ business models for a variety of reasons. “Not only do short stays help
keep apartments occupied, but, most of the time, they lead to long-term residents who fall in love with the community – the people, surroundings, and amenities,” observed Filby. “They might choose to make that transition now because of their experi- ence with us. If they are not ready for assisted living, then the experience will inform future decisions. Furthermore, we get tons of free marketing through word-of-mouth once the older adult returns home singing our praises to friends, family members and neighbors.” Critically, a short-term stay can help families considering assisted
Pam Filby
living overcome their worries about what it entails. A respite stay allows them to see their loved one in the senior living environment and to get a better sense of the services and benefits available. “It’s a chance to dispel concerns and truly appreciate the
many advantages to living in a vibrant senior community when compared to living at home alone, for example,” Filby said. “The benefits of regular socialization, programming and fine dining daily really come into focus once residents experience it. At the same time, the caregiver’s concerns and fears often wash away once they trust that their loved one’s safety and well-being are in good hands. For these reasons, the respite stay often tips the scales for families looking for a long-term plan.” Jennings noted that a respite stay also helps caregivers who are
wrestling with guilt and fear at the prospect of a move for their loved one. “Recognizing these emotions are very real, respite stays often
provide an opportunity to experience the environment without permanently committing,” Jennings said. “Once caregivers rec- ognize their loved ones thriving in the environment, it alleviates the fear and allows them to begin to envision their loved one’s quality of life in the new setting. It also allows family members to simply be family members without the responsibility of being the caregiver.” Filby noted respite care typically is sought by families who
already have an eye toward long-term residency in a Benchmark community. In addition to helping to overcome wariness about senior living, a temporary stay can lay the groundwork for both residents and their families to more closely examine the practical considerations of a move. “With those initial concerns set aside, families can then reflect
on the experience, the logistics, and the game plan for a smooth transition,” Filby said. “That can range from creating a financial plan and timing for a move-in to how they choose to decorate their apartment and community services and programs that resonated for the older adult.” The teams at senior living communities also get the opportunity
to see how individuals engage in their environment before they transition into long-term care. “The beauty of the respite stay is that the resident and family members have begun building their relationship with our leader- ship, managers, and associates,” noted Filby. “I can’t say enough about what that means when the transition occurs. It’s invaluable for families to know that our team works closely with them and each other to ensure the best experience possible.” Navarette said trying out a community on a temporary basis helps older adults avoid health challenges that can accompany a major change late in life.
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