Senior Respite Care - What is Respite?

Aging is a process that individuals experience due to our complex human genetic makeup. There is no escaping the aging process. No matter how much a person may try to slow down the process, no drug or surgery can stop the inevitable. Our time here on earth is pre-calculated for our bodies to begin as embryos, birthed as a baby, grow into a child, adolescent, young adult, adult, and finally a senior. There are no exceptions to this except for maybe Benjamin Button. All Kidding aside, this process is not always easy to go through. As humans we must accept that we change mentally and physically as we age. Do you remember as a kid, falling off your bike, or stubbing your toe during capture the flag and being able to just keep going? In your older age, this may not be so easy. As an example, my 30 year old self attempted a skate board ride. I stepped onto the board in one swift step, and the next I was on the ground. I ended up with a broken arm. It was not easy to accept that I no longer had the balance and coordination I may have had as a 13 year old girl. There is adjustment and learning at every stage of our existence. That is why education, knowledge and awareness of tools and resources are paramount to living successfully.

Transitioning and accepting that you may no longer have the mobility and mentality as you once did can be a difficult adjustment, but acceptance and being proactive will be the difference in a successful future. This is the time to research and learn about the types of resources and programs within your community. The ability to become aware of the variety of services, the different types of mobility, house safety, and accessibility equipment, along with different types of programs.

While researching, you might come across a program often referred to as respite or a Bridge program. Respite means a short period of relief, but what is a respite program? A respite program is a service designed for individuals who need temporary care and support. Individuals may choose to use respite care after a hospital stay or rehabilitation stay due to illness, surgery recovery, or physical recovery. If you live at home independently, but recently had a hospital stay and are not quite ready to be on your own, you can look into utilizing a respite program. At ProHealth Regency Senior Communities, we have a respite program within our assisted living community for ages 62+. We have 3 levels of care in our assisted living. With that being said, we offer the same 3 levels within our respite program. Our respite programs includes 3 meals a day, housekeeping, personal care services, emergency response system, activities and outings, a completely furnished room and more. You can think of a respite stay as a serviced hotel stay.

Respite care can also be used for a caretaker to experience a short-term break. Many individuals who take care of a spouse, mother, father or grandparent may utilize the respite program to take a vacation or receive a 'break' from all their hard work. Many caretakers become worn out and could use some relief. Respite care is a great way for the caregiver to receive a well-deserved vacation or time to fulfill their own personal needs.

Another common use of respite care is when an individual is looking to move into an assisted living community and worried about choosing the right one. A person can trial the community without committing to a lease by staying anywhere from 7 to 28 days. This is a fairly typical first introduction to assisted living. Many seniors don't feel confident which community to choose when there are so many different choices. Deciding on a community can be easier if you narrow down your search and make a stay of it. Respite allows you to try several days of meals, personal cares, activities, socials, transportation, and fitness. You can meet your potential neighbors and the staff members that would be caring for you.

Respite can give you a piece of mind on choosing the community that fits your lifestyle best without committing too soon. Over the last several months, Regency had 8 individuals trial our communities with respite and ended up moving in as permanent residents. Come join in the fun. Try our dining and meals. Try our services. Meet the neighbors. Find your new home! We would like to meet you or your loved one, and see if we are a good fit. Try out respite today!

Please continue to research and educate yourself. Everybody's lives are ever-changing, and preparing yourself for a change can influence your life enrichment and positive success. Don't be afraid to ask questions, there are people and resources out there to help support you and your families through life's challenges. A great senior resource to start with is your local Aging and Disability Resource Center also known as ADRC for Senior resources. Good luck. We hope to see you soon.