If you are one of the one million family caregivers in the state of Michigan, a summer getaway may not seem very realistic. Especially if heading out of town to enjoy one of Michigan’s lakes or beaches with your own children means leaving your elderly loved one home alone. Even if you did manage to get away for a few days, the worry over how they were managing on their own would likely keep you from relaxing and enjoying the trip. That is where respite care comes in. Respite can offer you a safe solution for your loved one and peace of mind for yourself.
What is Respite Care?
Respite is a short-term stay in an independent or assisted living community, such as one of the Heritage Senior Communities. It offers your aging loved one access to the same services and amenities that are available to permanent residents of the community. They enjoy the same healthy meals. Have the opportunity to participate in diverse life enrichment programs and activities. And the staff is close by to help your loved one with everything you typically do for them. From providing medication reminders to assistance with bathing and grooming, a respite stay for an aging parent offers peace of mind for family caregivers.
Most communities welcome respite visitors for lengths of stay ranging from a few days up to one month. Some families utilize respite several times a year to allow them time to travel or take care of personal business. Others use respite as a trial stay or “test run” to see how well an elderly loved one adjusts to a senior living community.
To help make a respite stay go more smoothly for your loved one, you might consider bringing them for a visit at the community before you head out of town. That gives staff the opportunity to get to know them and time to introduce them to other residents with similar interests. Most communities would welcome you to stay for lunch or for dinner.
How to Find Respite Care
If you live in Michigan and would like to learn more about respite care, we invite you to call the Heritage Senior community closest to you . Any one of our team members will be glad to help. If you live outside the state of Michigan, Respite Locator can help you find care in your area.
Are you a Michigan caregiver for an aging loved one?
Have you ever used respite? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!