Is A Respite Stay An Option? Learn what’s best for your loved one.
By Elli Baldwin, CDP
Caregivers who need a break – Is respite stay an option?
Caregiving is an around-the-clock responsibility, and it is common for caregivers to experience burnout. Respite care is designed to give caregivers the much-needed respite and reset they need when caring for a loved one with high needs. It can also be a good solution for a primary caregiver who is planning a vacation or needs to travel for other reasons.
Respite care may also be needed when someone is being discharged from a hospital or rehab facility and needs more care than what a caregiver can comfortably provide. In these circumstances, a patient can seek respite care at an Assisted Living facility (ALF). ALFs often offer month-to-month commitments and are the perfect stepping stone to getting a patient stronger before returning home.
What is a respite stay?
A respite stay at an assisted living or memory care community is usually under 30 days. Respite rooms come furnished, so there is no need to coordinate moving furniture or decorating the room. Think of it as staying in a hotel for a short-term stay, but all meals, care, laundry, housekeeping, transportation, and activities are included.
Should you consider a respite stay?
There are many reasons why a respite stay may be a great option, such as:
- If a primary caregiver needs an extended break due to caregiver burnout, an out-of-town trip, etc.
- It’s a great way to try out a community without a full commitment. Residents and families will get a more realistic view of care, food, resident engagement, etc.
- Use it as an extension to a rehab stay before returning home. At discharge, many seniors are not fully ready to return home safely after a hospital or rehab stay. A respite stay of two to four weeks ensures they are getting care and nutrition, plus home health orders can continue PT/OT efforts while they are there to increase their chances of success once they go home.
What does a respite stay cost?
You are charged an all-inclusive daily rate for a respite stay. So, calculate the daily rate by the number of days. As mentioned, all care and amenities are included in that rate. On average, respite rates are usually $175-$250 daily.
Things to consider
Respite stays can last a few days or up to 30 days. Due to COVID-19, many communities will have a minimum number of days to avoid too many “coming and going” to ensure the safety of residents and staff.
If the duration of your respite stay is 3+ weeks or uncertain, it may be worth comparing the respite daily rate total to the cost of a monthly contract. Most rental assisted living and memory care communities are “month to month” contracts with a flat monthly rate. It isn’t binding, and you can move out at any time…you can just ask for a 30-day notice that you could give shortly after moving in, so you have that flexibility.
Every family’s situation is unique, and we honor that. To learn more about what specific communities will work for you or a loved one, call us at 727-314-6415.
Also, our Sunways website has a caregiver blog and many free downloads and resources, so be sure to check it out! www.sunwaysseniorliving.com